The Challenge
BIMM University is a creative arts university specialising in the provision of music, performing arts, and screen & film courses.
While digitally enhanced learning has long been part of the BIMM infrastructure, over the past few years the institution has recognised a need to build a more robust online learning environment to support evolving student expectations in the post-pandemic landscape. This resulted in the requirement for a new virtual learning environment to support a more digital future for the university’s eight colleges.
However, as many colleges were already using various educational platforms, it was essential that any new system was able to integrate well with existing technologies. It was also crucial that any new system came with in depth documentation surrounding integrations and APIs to make the implementation more streamlined.
The Decision
BIMM’s Dean of Digital Education & Student Experience, Steven Wilkinson, had previously implemented Canvas in another institution and was aware of Canvas’ intuitive nature which would increase adoption amongst students and staff.
Initially, a one year pilot of Canvas was launched across two colleges, one which had never used the platform before, and one which had been partially introduced to Canvas while using a range of other systems. Both colleges recorded success.
Following the successful trial, it was determined that Canvas would be the right solution for meeting BIMM’s needs. The new virtual learning environment was rolled out in full to remaining colleges at BIMM University in 2021.
Key Findings
The university has been able to support Canvas much more easily than previous learning systems, with greater ability to govern aspects such as accessibility and UX.
BIMM students are becoming more engaged with their courses and their learning through the Canvas mobile app which helps them connect, wherever they are.
In a traditionally in-person environment, Canvas has encouraged BIMM educators to embrace and celebrate the growing role of technology within the creative arts.
Lecturers are able to enjoy more autonomy, with more options in how they design courses and manage their units and pages, without compromising on consistency.
Canvas has provided the foundation for BIMM to push online learning and digital pedagogy further, paving the path for more interactivity and personalisation.
For me, it’s the smartest, most intuitive platform out there at the moment. Canvas was really attractive because it met our particular needs.
Steven Wilkinson, Dean of Digital Education & Student Experience
The Results
Overall, the aim was to really improve the user experience, for both teachers and students, and Canvas has achieved exactly that for BIMM.
Canvas has become a core part of the BIMM provision, and the institution is making full use of features including speed grader, quizzes, and perhaps most importantly, the mobile app. Statistics show that most students are logging into the app weekly, if not daily.
BIMM’s teaching staff have also provided positive feedback, noting that Canvas looks and feels familiar, enabling them to dive straight in and start using the system.
Ultimately, BIMM has found that Canvas has facilitated better alignment between the needs of students who want to learn online, and the needs of teachers who want to continue delivering high quality lessons for their creative learners.
BIMM's success with Canvas is a testament to their outstanding approach to implementation. By executing the implementation in two phases, BIMM was able to showcase the platform's intuitive nature to administrators and academics through a sprint project that got two out of their nine colleges up and running in record time. The success of this early phase paved the way for a smooth launch to students shortly after.
As implementation expanded to include all BIMM colleges, BIMM's exceptional project team worked tirelessly to manage the people involved in the change while also implementing a new VLE and integrating learning tools. With unwavering executive leadership support and effective communication of the benefits of Canvas, the end result was a widely adopted VLE that not only supported BIMM's strategic objectives, but also delivered an excellent user experience.
Stephan Fortier, Regional Director, UK and Ireland, Instructure
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