It's timely that we talk to you about future plans for Angel. Many of you are aware that Blackboard purchased Angel last year, and that Angel will exist only until 2014. As a result, we know that we will have to transition to a new Learning Management System (LMS) prior to that date. Here are our projected time lines:
- Spring - Summer 2011 (yes, this summer) - transition to the newest version of Angel (version 8). You'll be receiving more detailed information on this by the end of February.
- Spring 2012 - escalate the research and consultation process to choose a new LMS. This will involve faculty and student consultation, similar to what we did with Angel (focus groups, surveys, pilots)
- Spring and Summer, 2013 - transition to the chosen LMS for full implementation in fall, 2013
There is a lot of discussion happening currently around the new portal, and how it integrates very nicely with Moodle, a different LMS. Moodle is one choice of a LMS, but there are others. And integration with Datatel is only one criteria we will use as we go through the selection process. Other criteria could include such things as ease of use, appearance, choice / flexibility of tools, cost, etc. We need to make sure we make the right decision for the right reasons.
You'll know more in February about the upcoming transition to Angel 8. In the meantime, we have started our research into other Learning Management Systems / options for supporting teaching and learning. Comments and questions are welcome!
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