Illinois State's Next LMS
ReggieNet, Illinois State University's learning management system or LMS, is almost ten years old. Now is the time to ensure robust and transformative student learning experiences over the next ten years… and beyond. Illinois State's Next LMS brings together faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students, staff, and other stakeholders at Illinois State to select and transition to a new learning management system.
Why are we considering a new LMS?
A powerful, flexible learning management system is critical to student learning and student success.
ReggieNet is based on Sakai, which, unlike the LMS platforms used by most other universities, is maintained and improved by a community of volunteer software developers. While Illinois State has been a proud member of that group for many years, the community is shrinking. More and more colleges and universities are leaving Sakai for other products.
In addition, Sakai's shrinking place in the overall market makes it less likely to receive attention from third-party developers. Products from other educational software companies and textbook publishers are less likely to fully integrate with ReggieNet.
How will a new LMS be selected?
This is a major decision, one in which all voices must be heard. Provost Tarhule has directed members of his office and partners in Technology Solutions to begin conversations with the Deans and the academic department heads, the president's cabinet, the Student Government Association, and with the Academic Senate, to get a first round of feedback.
The Deans recommend members of an advisory group to represent instructors, staff, and students, who joined other stakeholders from across ranks, disciplines, and service units. This group assessed the needs of campus in terms of a future learning management system. It then will examine and select products for public testing and comment. Finally, it will recommend the next LMS and a process for transitioning course content from ReggieNet to the new platform.
Is ReggieNet going away soon?
No. The process of selecting the next LMS and developing a plan to transfer ReggieNet course information to it will take a couple of years. Additional time may be needed to actually purchase a new LMS, due to the State of Illinois' strict procurement rules. Also, support staff at the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology and the Technology Support Center will develop extensive resources to help instructors and students transition to the new system as smoothly as possible. Current plans call for the Next LMS to be adopted fully in the fall of 2023.
What's next?
After considering feedback from the campus and conducting its own testing, the advisory group will make a recommedation to administration about the Next LMS in May, 2022. Approval by the administration and the Board of Trustees, purchasing, the creation of a pilot program would take place over the summer of 2022.
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Meet the Team
Meet the diverse group to represent the many voices and perspective which make up the Illinois State University community.