Evidence

Changes in higher education and what it means for your LMS strategy

Across higher education, the question is no longer which LMS has more features, but which one can support your future strategy. If your LMS is meeting today’s needs but beginning to create constraints, this page brings together the research and practical guidance to help you evaluate your next move and plan a structured transition.

What to consider when rethinking your LMS

Join Professor Martin Bean CBE, global education leader and former Vice Chancellor of RMIT University in this 6 part video masterclass series as he shares insights on overcoming the limitations of legacy platforms and embracing the future of digital learning.

Watch now

Research

The future of EdTech

If you are building a case or reassessing your current approach, these reports bring together the key trends, trade-offs, and considerations shaping LMS decisions across higher education.

Lifelong learning in practice: How universities are expanding beyond traditional programmes

Learn more

An Institutional AI Audit: Building Better AI for Education

Learn more

Migration

The bigger risk is often standing still

For most institutions, the concern is disruption. With the right approach, the move is more structured and more predictable than expected.

Canvas LMS Vs Your Legacy LMS

Many institutions are reassessing their LMS not because they want to, but because stability, direction, and long-term confidence isn’t a given for their institution. Here’s a practical comparison between legacy LMS platforms and Canvas.

Should you ditch your legacy LMS?

How to Switch LMS

Whether it’s forced “upgrades”, unwelcome product changes, or reduced confidence in the long-term roadmap - sometimes institutions look to change LMS earlier than planned. This guide shows you what this process might look like for your institution, and how the Instructure’s Services team will be there each step of the way.

Your Guide to Switching to Canvas LMS

Case Study: Cranfield University

Cranfield recognised that an LMS should be the most stable part of the digital ecosystem. Read why and how they made the switch to Canvas LMS.

Switching to Canvas LMS for stable, future-proof learning

Questions institutions ask

What is a modern LMS?

A modern LMS is designed to support how universities operate today, not how they operated when many platforms were first introduced.

It brings together intuitive course design, reliable performance, and the flexibility to support different modes of learning, from on-campus delivery to fully online and short-form learning.

Importantly, it should integrate easily with other systems, support data-driven decision making, and provide a foundation that can evolve as institutional priorities change

Why are universities changing LMS?

Many universities are re-evaluating their LMS as expectations around teaching, learning, and digital infrastructure continue to shift.

Common drivers include the need to support more flexible delivery, reduce complexity for staff, and create a more consistent experience for students.

In some cases, institutions are also responding to changes in product direction, reliability concerns, or a lack of confidence in how their current platform will support future plans

What does a successful LMS transition look like?

A successful LMS transition is planned, phased, and focused on continuity for both staff and students.

Most institutions begin by aligning the change to their broader strategy, then move through migration, training, and rollout in stages.

With the right approach, the transition becomes an opportunity to simplify processes, improve course design, and create a more consistent and scalable learning environment

Ready to take the next step?

It doesn’t have to be this hard. We can show you the easy way

Book a demo

See how Canvas compares