Spring 2026 EdTech Spotlight

As the semester progresses, our digital learning landscape is reaching a pivotal moment defined by major transitions and new opportunities for growth. With the first wave of courses now live on Canvas, we are officially in full swing toward the critical December retirement of Blackboard, a shift supported by time-sensitive resources, including expert-led workshops and one-on-one instructional design assistance. Alongside this migration, we are embracing Title II digital accessibility not merely as a compliance checkbox, but as a shared responsibility to ensure equitable access for all learners, utilizing tools like YuJa Panorama and Ally to make this essential work manageable.

This edition also clarifies how we are safeguarding the digital ecosystem that supports these changes. We explain the multitiered archiving strategy that protects your intellectual property and student records, detailing how data moves from the three-year active window in the learning management system to secure, long-term storage in the "Digital Vault" for future compliance and grade disputes. Whether you are opting for a fresh start in your course design or navigating the nuances of data retention, this roadmap is designed to equip you for the future of teaching and learning at UIC.

Transitioning to Canvas: Your roadmap for success

The Canvas transition is officially underway, and teaching in Canvas has begun. This article highlights key deadlines, available support and important next steps for faculty as the transition continues. Explore support options, timelines and migration paths.

Supporting faculty through Title II digital accessibility: A shared responsibility

As UIC prepares to meet Title II digital accessibility requirements, supporting accessible course design is a shared effort across faculty, staff and central units. This article outlines what Title II means for teaching, how responsibility is distributed and what support and resources are available to help faculty move forward. Learn how UIC is supporting Title II accessibility efforts.

Safeguarding our digital content: Understanding UIC’s Learning Technology Solutions archiving policy

Faculty course sites contain important instructional materials, student work and grade data that must be retained securely and in compliance with university, state and federal requirements. This includes clear expectations for how Learning Management System data is archived at UIC, how long different types of records are retained and how faculty can access materials after a course ends. Learn how course data is archived, retained and accessed at UIC.

Accessible Course Design in Action: A Spring Faculty Lab

Prepare your courses for Title II digital accessibility requirements through an interactive series of workshops and an information session focused on practical guidance, tools and inclusive design strategies. Hosted by Learning Technology Solutions and Digital Accessibility Services and Engineering at Technology Solutions, this half-day workshop is open to all faculty. Friday, April 3, 1–5 p.m. Register for Accessible Course Design in Action: A Spring Faculty Lab.

Find Canvas answers fast: Resources every instructor should know

Instructors may have questions about building courses or using Canvas tools. Key Canvas support resources — training, guides and workshops — can help instructors find answers quickly. Explore Canvas support resources for instructors.

Understanding Canvas navigation: Why it matters for teaching and learning

Canvas course navigation shapes how students find materials and move through a course. This includes understanding global and course navigation and making intentional course-level choices that reduce confusion, support accessibility and improve engagement. Explore best practices for clear Canvas navigation.

Discover teaching tools across Blackboard and Canvas with our Learning Tools Interoperability Catalog

The Learning Tools Interoperability Catalog helps faculty identify teaching tools that work with both Blackboard and Canvas. This includes a centralized list of supported integrations and guidance for selecting tools that support engagement and course workflows. Explore the catalog to find tools that work with your course.

Getting started with Canvas Studio in your classroom

Canvas Studio supports video-based teaching and learning within Canvas. This includes tools for creating, captioning and sharing video, as well as interactive features that support student engagement. Explore ways to use Canvas Studio to support video-based teaching and learning.

Beyond copy and paste: Designing Canvas courses during migration

Copying content into Canvas is often necessary, but structure still matters. Small, intentional design choices during migration can reduce student confusion and improve course clarity. Explore strategies for designing Canvas courses.

Faculty voices on learning management system migration: How support shaped the experience

Reflections from UIC instructors highlight how training, communication and individualized support influence confidence during the transition to Canvas. Read about instructor experiences during the learning management system transition.

Featured workshops

Canvas

Instructure-led Canvas training sessions for UIC faculty continue through June, covering essential topics for building, teaching and managing courses in Canvas.

YuJa Panorama

Learning Technology Solutions is offering YuJa Panorama workshops to support accessible course design, including YuJa Panorama Overview, YuJa Documents, YuJa PDFs and YuJa Slides.

AI and ethics

Learning Technology Solutions will host a series of informative workshops to enhance faculty understanding and skills in artificial intelligence. We will kick off this series with an asynchronous workshop in honor of National AI Literacy Day.

Throughout these workshops, participants will gain valuable insights, practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of AI. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics or someone seeking to deepen your existing knowledge, these workshops are designed for all levels of expertise. Explore the transformative power of AI and its impact on teaching and student learning.

Visit the workshop calendar for more information and registration.

Learning Technology Solutions Learning Design office hours

The Learning Technology Solutions Learning Design team offers weekly office hours for faculty and staff. Meet one-on-one with an instructional designer to get help with Canvas course setup, using YuJa Panorama for accessibility remediation, organizing your course or addressing any questions related to teaching in the new learning management system. Schedule office hours with a Learning Technology Solutions instructional designer.

Customized workshops for your department

Looking for training tailored to your department or college? Learning Technology Solutions offers custom workshops on topics such as Canvas, digital accessibility, Perusall, Turnitin and other centrally supported learning tools. We’ll work with you to create a session that fits your goals and audience.

Schedule a consultation

Whether you're exploring new educational technology, troubleshooting a Blackboard or Canvas issue or planning a course redesign, the Learning Technology Solutions team is here to help. Request a one-on-one consultation to get the support you need. Contact the Learning Technology Solutions team.

Technology Solutions

University of Illinois Chicago

601 S. Morgan St. | Chicago, IL 60607 US

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