Canvas
As part of the Student Experience Action Plan, the 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø transitioned to a new learning management system (LMS), Canvas, starting in Fall 2024. As of August 15, 2025, Canvas is the only LMS supported by the U of A for for-credit courses.
U of A's LMS History
Project timeline
eClass Upgrade
Replaces Blackboard as the LMS backbone of eClass for online courses that complement on-campus learning delivery.
Sustainability breaking point
eClass support needs exceed resources due to significant system outages, combined with limited features for a modern learning experience.
Moving to a new Learning Management System
As a priority goal of the Student Experience Action Plan, the work begins for exploring a more sustainable, modern learning management system.
Project Initiation and Planning
Consultation & Procurement
LMS Vendor Contract
System Configuration and Implementation
Sandbox go-live and Canvas first-look at the U of A Festival of Teaching and Learning
Wave 1: Onboarding July 2024
(live August 6) for early adopters who want to build courses from scratch using Canvas.
Wave 2: Onboarding November 2024
The last two years of eClass catalogue courses will be waiting in Canvas with simple activation checklists for instructors. Courses will be automatically migrated from eClass to Canvas to minimize manual work in the new LMS.
The last two years of eClass catalogue courses will be waiting in Canvas with simple activation checklists for instructors. Courses will be automatically migrated from eClass to Canvas to minimize manual work in the new LMS.
Courses in Spring/Summer 2025 will not be migrated to Canvas
All for-credit Fall 2025 courses are taught in Canvas. eClass courses are moved to read-only August 2025, excluding eClass External.
eClass External courses and HR will be migrated to Canvas.