In Summer 2016, UBC launched a project to help shape the university’s next generation learning technology ecosystem (LTE). Through the project, faculty (through course buy-out) and students (through co-op positions) were hired to consult with their peers what tools and data are needed to be able to design and participate in learning activities in an effective way.
Since its inception, the project has begun an analysis of LTE options. Based on information gathered during the consultations, the University released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the core functionality needed in the LTE. The university established an Evaluation Committee to review the resulting bids, with representation from the Learning Technology governance committees, Learning Technology Environment faculty and students, UBC IT and the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology. The committee is chaired by a faculty member; and there are three faculty members and one student on the committee.
The RFQ closed at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23. After scrutinizing the results of the evaluation, and based solely on these submissions, the Committee came to a unanimous decision to select two vendors to participate in Stage 2 of the evaluation process. These vendors are Instructure for Canvas and Desire2Learn for Brightspace.
Stage 2 will conclude by December 9. Pilot courses are due to start in January 2017.
The committee hopes to make a decision by May 2017, and deploy the new LTE in the 2017-18 academic session.
