We need to know that our information from Blackboard Learn will be secure and can be accessed in the future.

University colleagues who work closely with Blackboard Learn and members of the CLE Data Migration Task and Finish group have been liaising with third-party company, K16 Solutions, to understand the process of migrating data to Canvas and the associated implications.

K16 Solutions are a global company with experience of migrating data from Blackboard to Canvas, having completed the process for multiple higher education institutions worldwide.

Colleagues at the University have agreed an approach with K16 Solutions to make sure relevant content is migrated, including journals, top-level modules, quizzes, announcements and rubrics.

The University of Manchester’s data migration testing process commenced on Monday 17 June with a sample of course content. K16 Solutions were granted access to Blackboard Learn to assist our IT and eLearning teams in the migration of live course content and ensure historic content is suitably archived.

K16 Solutions will work with our IT teams to migrate small batches of content before testing and reviewing its success. After identifying where amendments are needed to the technical script and process, the cycle is repeated to establish a blueprint for the University’s wider migration. This will ensure years of data for thousands of students on our programmes is securely transferred.

On completion of the iterative testing period, we will be clear to communicate what content will or will not be transferred and advise colleagues of next steps to take.

In the archiving process, the University is required to keep a record of student data for 7 years. Including the current cohort of students, this means we have 10 years of programme information to store and archive. Processes are being developed to understand how historic student data can be accessed when needed.

Canvas by Instructure is currently only accessible by a small number of user groups exploring how University colleagues can best use the CLE.

As of summer 2024, the CLE Early Access Task & Finish governance sub-group is working with eLearning and IT Services teams to determine the process for granting identified programmes and courses across the University early access to Canvas by Instructure.

Following Technical Release 1 in September 2024, the project will be in a position to grant and support controlled access for a limited number of users to build course content.

Transnational Education (TNE), Global MBA (GMBA), and Executive Education (Exec Ed) deliver teaching programmes outside the traditional academic calendar. Access to Canvas will be provisioned for these colleagues to start building their course content ahead of TNE and Exec Ed go-live in February 2025 and GMBA go-live in July 2025.

The CLE project team is working with the Faculty Implementation Groups to plan delivery of Canvas training to the wider University. Local training plans will ensure Canvas users feel informed and supported using the new platform.

Colleagues will be advised when they can expect to access learning resources ahead of rollout across their area. Users will receive training timely to their relevant go-live dates following the steps of the technical implementation plan.

IT Services and eLearning teams have the knowledge to support the background work and implementation of Canvas, and enhancement training is planned for these teams over the coming months.

Plans for a programme of training will include:

• Asynchronous course access. Users can learn at their own pace through an introductory Canvas course. This will be for colleagues who will be teaching, facilitating learning, creating content, or informing course design in Canvas. Modules will include:
  • Course Organisation,
  • Creating Content,
  • Using Assignments,
  • Grading and Feedback,
  • Using Discussions,
  • Using Quizzes,
  • Communication in Canvas.
• Online pages for self-directed learning will include a suite of ‘How to’ guides.​
• In person training will be available for additional support.
• Demos, roadshows and lunch and learn Canvas sessions will also be available.

Governance sub-groups have been established to support the transition to Canvas by Instructure and ensure the project delivers within the Flexible Learning and University’s governance structures.

The groups meet regularly to discuss and action the changes needed for a smooth transition for colleagues.

• DLE Advisory Group (feeds into FLP Leadership Groups and University Governance Groups)
  • Responsible for the flexible delivery of programmes, which are accessible for all, this group will review changes to processes, trial tools, procurement and selection, ensuring decisions identified by the DLE project team follow our standards and principles and that appropriate criteria are in place to evaluate options.

• CLE Design Sub-group (feeds into DLE Advisory Group)
  • Reviews and considers approval of specific decisions brought to the group by the other CLE Governance sub-groups regarding aspects of implementation, design and delivery of the technology and pedagogical infrastructure and the associated change in processes.

• CLE User Sub-group (works in two-way collaboration with CLE Design Sub-group)
  • Reviews and considers decisions brought by the other Governance sub-groups and provide feedback and input from a user perspective. The CLE Design sub-group may also refer decisions back to the user group to gather more specific feedback before signing off.

• CLE IT Sub-group (feeds into DLE Advisory Group and CLE Design Sub-group)
  • Agrees and undertakes the activities required to technically set up and configure the new CLE. Where appropriate any risks/issues identified will be escalated to the DLE Advisory group.

• CLE Change Sub-group (feeds into DLE Advisory Group and CLE Design Sub-group)
  • Agrees and undertakes the activities required to set and manage the change impact from the implementation of the new CLE. The group will run beyond September 2025 to collate and review feedback and inform longer term change activities (beyond 2025) towards BAU.

• CLE Pedagogical Standards Sub-group (feeds into DLE Advisory Group and CLE User Sub-group)
  • Agrees and undertakes the activities required to set pedagogical standards for how to utilise the new CLE. 

• Data Migration Task & Finish Group (feeds into CLE Change Sub-group)
  • This group will work with K-16 Solutions to iteratively test migrated course content and feedback to K-16 to understand what can and cannot be migrated.

• Early Adopters T&F Group (feeds into CLE Change Sub-group)
  • Ensures there is a clear definition of the purpose of the early adopter process. The group will also identify clear recommendations for the selection criteria and selection process of early adopters.  Through overseeing and monitoring early adopters engagement, delivery and feedback the T&F group will produce recommendations for future roll out activities.