Dear Instructor, 

In the 20 years since Blackboard became OHIO's preferred learning management system, the needs of OHIO students and faculty have significantly evolved. Based on the results of a recent faculty survey and significantly increased usage in a variety of courses, the Office of Information Technology is preparing to launch a request for proposal that best aligns with the University's evolving teaching and learning goals.  

As previously shared in July, the desired outcome for this project is to evaluate the Learning Management System (LMS) market and establish whether the University should select a new LMS vendor or transition to Blackboard’s new Ultra platform. With support from the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, OIT will engage faculty, students, and staff to clarify their needs and wants for the preferred LMS for OHIO. 

No change will occur to current courses in Blackboard during the RFP process. Faculty can still opt into Blackboard Ultra during the RFP but should be aware that if Blackboard is not awarded the contract, a transition to the new LMS will eventually be required. 

OHIO’s preferred learning management system, Blackboard, has been an important technology platform to support student success and teaching and learning goals over the past 20 years. 

As of March 2022, approximately 75 percent of courses leveraged Blackboard, a significant increase from 35 percent in January 2020. The recent learning management system (LMS) faculty survey further highlighted the evolving need for the LMS, and the evaluation and RFP process will aim to ensure a technology is selected that best meets those needs.  

After the RFP is awarded, a new timeline will be announced regarding LMS implementation, which will be a phased approach in the two years following the award of the RFP.  

Faculty who would like to provide additional feedback beyond what was collected on the prior LMS faculty survey may complete the LMS Feedback Form. Feedback results and additional information will be added to the Learning Management System Evaluation Project page as the project progresses. You are also invited to share this feedback form with any staff or students in your department. 

To learn more about the RFP process, share your feedback, or ask questions, consider joining the Teaching and Learning Advisory Community. The group meets monthly to collect feedback from stakeholders and to discuss innovation and trends in teaching and learning. 

If you have specific LMS questions for your current use of Blackboard, please contact the IT Service Desk.