As University operations adjust to cope with the impact of the coronavirus, it is even more important that we keep you informed on progress and plans relating to the deployment of Canvas, our new virtual learning environment.
A new timeline
In response to the unprecedented challenges we face currently, and following extensive review by the Project’s Board, Steering Group and major stakeholders, it was recently agreed to change how Canvas will be rolled out during the next academic year.
Canvas will now be rolled out in three phases:
- Extended Pilot Phase (Semester 1, 2020/21): A Pilot Phase has been running since January 2020, featuring a small number of modules in each Faculty. This Phase will now be extended to include Semester 1, 2020/21. Discussions are currently underway with Faculty and School Leadership Teams to confirm how this will operate locally, and which modules they would like to include in this Phase.
- Adoption Phase (Semester 2, 2020/21): The Project’s Steering Group has confirmed a number of adoption models, which are currently being introduced to Faculty and School Leadership Teams. The Project Team will continue to work with stakeholders over the coming months to confirm how they would like to participate in this Phase, which will see a further tranche of modules going ‘live’ in Canvas to support teaching in Semester 2, 2020/21.
- Full Deployment Phase (Semester 1, 2021/22): All taught modules will be supported by Canvas from the start of the 2021/22 academic year. Details on this final phase of deployment will be published in due course.
The Board and Steering Group will continue to keep current plans and priorities under careful review in response to Covid-19.
Canvas webinars
Over 400 staff have already signed up for a Canvas webinar and the programme has now been extended to the end of July.
As well as the Fundamentals webinars, which have been running all through March, you can now sign up for Advanced sessions too, exploring enhanced electronic marking and assessment functionality, quizzes, accessibility and much more. There are also dedicated sessions for PS staff who use the VLE.
Further information on all the planned sessions plus details on how to register are available here.
Showcase events – Your blank Canvas awaits!
All staff are invited to come along to a ‘virtual’ showcase event on either Tuesday 28 or Thursday 30 April to discover more about what Canvas has to offer. As well as seeing the VLE in action, you’ll be able to hear from staff taking part in the Pilot about their experiences of using Canvas this semester. To find out more and to register, click here.
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You need never miss another Canvas update because the Project Team has just launched a new fortnightly newsletter. To join the mailing list, simply complete this short form
Got a query?
If you have any queries about any of the above updates or Canvas more generally, please email: canvas@liverpool.ac.uk