Illinois State's Next LMS
ReggieNet, Illinois State University's current learning management system or LMS, will be replaced by Canvas. Plans call for the complete adoption of Canvas by the start of Fall 2023.
ReggieNet to Canvas Support for Instructors
Why are we switching from ReggieNet to Canvas?
A powerful, flexible learning management system is critical to student learning and student success. An advisorry group of faculty members, students, and staff determined that Canvas is the best option to meet those needs. The Board of Trustees approved a five-year agreement to make Canvas Illinois State's official learning management system in August of 2022.
Why not just keep ReggieNet?
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. 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.
Replacing ReggieNet with Canvas also allows for several long-requested features, like a dedicated mobile app and a common calendar where students can see all of their assignments across all of their classes.
Is ReggieNet going away this year (2022-2023)?
No. Technology staff will be working in the fall of 2022 to connect Canvas with the rest of the University's extensive digital ecosystem. Meanwhile, support staff at the Center for Integrated Professional Development (formerly CTLT) and the Technology Support Center will develop extensive resources to help instructors and students transition to the new system as smoothly as possible. A limited number of courses (around 70) will be offered in the spring of 2023 using Canvas as a part of a pilot program. Current plans call for Canvas to be adopted fully in the fall of 2023.
Timeline
This is a brief overview of the project. Want to see more? Check out the complete timeline.
Fall 2022
- Initial setup work continues with training being developed.
- Identify classes for Spring 2023 pilot period.
Spring 2023
- Pilot program begins with small number of courses in Canvas.
- Continuous workshops and training for faculty will be offered.
- All instructors will have access to Canvas with their migrated courses.
Summer 2023
- Summer course instructors can opt-in to have course in Canvas.
- Workshops continue in preparation for Fall 2023.
- ReggieNet switched to "read only" at end of summer.
Fall 2023
- All courses are on Canvas.
- Access to ReggieNet ends in December.
Latest Stories
Pilot program will test ReggieNet replacement in the spring of 2023
About 75 Illinois State University courses will be offered through Canvas in the spring of 2023, to help instructional and technical support staff prepare for full adoption.Learn more about Canvas
Find demo videos, webinars comparing Canvas to ReggieNet, and a report on accessibility.
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