Frustrated over their existing LMS’s ability to handle the demands of distance learning, leaders at Auburn University’s Certification for Aquaculture Professionals (CAP) program embarked on a lightning-fast journey to implement Canvas in just three weeks. Faculty quickly embraced the new LMS, and Auburn chose to implement the learning platform widely across the university.
Key Insights:
The team worked on a strict timeline to migrate their existing information to the Canvas platform and then to learn, customize and test the solution’s functionalities in just three weeks
Faculty like Canvas’ online testing function, which enables them to create quizzes from scratch or a bank of questions, using a variety of formats and question types.
Canvas’ success helped to promote CAP’s certification program internationally
The Challenge
Every semester Dr. Leonard Lovshin teaches 250 students from around the world in Auburn University’s Certification for Aquaculture Professionals (CAP) program. Grading biweekly exams for that many students in so many time zones was such a massive burden that he eventually quit.
“With no efficient way to grade tests, I fell further and further behind and became increasingly frustrated—as did my waiting students,” Lovshin said. And he wasn’t the only one frustrated with Auburn’s learning management system
Many complained about Blackboard WebCT’s “chunkiness” and outdated feel, said Troy Hahn, CAP’s IT director. “Our LMS was in the Dark Ages.”
Particularly bothersome was Blackboard’s inability to handle the demands of distance learning, which CAP was on the verge of expanding globally. The program’s success hinged on the performance of its LMS.
The difference between Canvas and the old LMS is like the difference between an iPod and a record player.
—Troy Hahn,
CAP Director of IT, Auburn University
The Decision
Hahn and CAP Director Antonio Garza began searching for a better one. “We wanted a modern system—something intuitive that would allow students to easily navigate through the courses,” Hahn said. “We needed to make a change, and we needed to make it quickly.”
When Instructure demonstrated its Canvas LMS, Hahn says, CAP instructors wanted to begin using it that very day. The CAP team had found what they were looking for, but there was just one problem. The semester would begin in three weeks. Canvas had never been implemented that quickly, and there was a lot of work to do.
Hahn’s team developed a strict timeline to migrate their existing information to the Canvas platform and then to learn, customize, and test the solution’s functionalities. “Everyone had to be on board and willing to work with the rapid implementation: IT staff instructors, the university, as well as Instructure,” said Hahn. “It required everyone’s help to get it done in such a short timeframe.”
“We wanted a modern system with something intuitive that would allow students to easily navigate through the courses.” -Troy Hahn, CAP Director of IT, Auburn University
The Result
As Hahn’s team plunged into the work, they were inundated with demands from impatient instructors asking for access to Canvas. When faculty members were allowed in, they eagerly explored the system, pushing ahead of the IT group. The instructors found Canvas so user-friendly that they worked out most functions on their own.
Canvas’ online testing function was a favorite of the faculty, permitting them to create quizzes from scratch or a bank of questions, using a variety of formats and question types. Professor Lovshin was ecstatic. Canvas allowed him to re-engage with students, giving them timely grades and feedback.
“We knew it was a huge paradigm shift, so we were excited when we saw how thrilled the faculty was with Canvas and how eager instructors were to start teaching with it.”
-Troy Hahn, CAP Director of IT, Auburn University
Although the implementation was swift and arduous, Canvas was up and running on time. Faculty and staff now have new methods for teaching across the globe, and students are thrilled with their new LMS.
One summed up the transition this way: "I'm beyond shocked at the magnificent changes that have been made to the program’s interface. You listened to our concerns. We are excited to finish the program.”
As the CAP program continues to expand, Canvas is living up to expectations and growing alongside it. Canvas’ success helped to promote CAP’s certification program internationally.
What’s more, Auburn is also adopting Canvas across the university
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