LFS:Vista/Migration to Connect
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Between November 2012 and June 2013, online components of LFS credit courses will be moved to the new Learning Management System (LMS), “Connect.” The timing and the structure of the LFS transition is designed to support teaching excellence by building in longer-than-average windows for instructor training and course development.
The LFS Learning Centre has developed this migration plan with input from UBC IT and CTLT. These partners will activate the migration of course content as requested by LFS. The LFS Learning Centre continues to provide instructional support, training, and collaboration on course design. LFS will partner with CTLT to provide workshops and training sessions customized to LFS needs.
RATIONALE
The transition is UBC-wide and required to move from the obsolete Vista platform to the new Connect LMS. The new LMS was selected by the UBC Learning Technologies Advisory Committee. The UBC deadline for leaving Vista is summer 2013, with no new Vista sections being created after April 2013. LFS courses previously offered in Vista will be offered in Connect from May 2013 onward.
Although some other faculties and all of UBCO moved to Connect in Fall 2012, the LFS plan allows more time for LMS stability and performance improvements to be addressed before LFS instructors and students are fully on board.
The LFS plan migrates courses from Vista to Connect so that, in most cases, instructors will have two terms from the end of a Vista section to the time the course is taught in Connect. This is designed to support a smooth transition, training, and opportunities for course updates.
MIGRATION PLAN
Migration Timing
Courses from the Summer sessions of 2012 have been sent to UBCIT for conversion. Courses ending in November 2012 will be converted to Connect in January / February 2013. The instructor will have until September 2013 to become comfortable with Connect and to make updates to the course.
There are a few exceptions: courses to be taught again in the second term will remain on Vista for Term 2 and won’t be converted to Connect until May 2013.
All remaining Vista courses will be sent for conversion in May 2013. Here’s the timing for conversion to Connect:
| Courses that start | will be taught using | available to instructors |
|---|---|---|
| January 2013 | Vista | November 30 2012 |
| May 2013 | Connect | January 2013 |
| September 2013 | Connect | February 2013 |
| January 2014 | Connect | June 2013 |
An interactive timeline describing the LFS Connect Migration process can be found here: http://bit.ly/UsKsRj
Training and Professional Development
Training will include:
- scheduled workshops
- tutorials and instructions via online resources
- assisted lab sessions combining training and course updates
- in-person training with LFS instructional support staff.
The LFS Learning Centre will collaborate with UBC IT and CTLT to make use of their existing resources and expertise, as well as continuing to provide the in-person and customized support that advances LFS teaching readiness in the online environment.
Instructors will receive invitations to workshops and drop-in supervised lab sessions, held in LFS and at UBC CTLT. Any instructor needing specific help can visit the Learning Centre, arrange an office visit, or use the LFS Learning Centre instructional Support live online office.
Many instructors prefer to learn a new learning management system while they accomplish work on their course, rather than expending effort on an empty practice course. The LFS plan supports the productivity of direct work on courses.
Scheduled Workshops
| Session title | Hosted by | Location | Facilitator(s) | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connect I: Introduction to Teaching Using Connect | LFS Learning Centre | FNH, MCML | CTLT Staff, LFS LC Staff | February, May, August, and November 2013 |
| Connect II: Basics & More | LFS Learning Centre | FNH, MCML | CTLT Staff, LFS LC Staff | March, May, August, November, 2013 January 2014 |
| Hosted Lab: Designing and Refining Your Course in Connect | LFS Learning Centre | IKBLC, MCML | CTLT Staff, LFS LC Staff | Ongoing |
Additional Resources
LFS Learning Centre Instructional Support Online Office:
- Using Blackboard Collaborate: http://bit.ly/SPQA3L
Web Resources:
- Connect Instructor Resources
UBC Connect Professional Development Resources:
CTLT Connect Institute:
Demonstration / Model Connect course
- The LFS Learning Centre is evaluating the option to develop a simple Connect course to be provided to all instructors as a resource and example.
Communications and Consultation
A combination of print, electronic and in-person communications support the LFS migration to Connect.
- Updates will be communicated through LFS Today, email, Community meeting announcements, and Learning Centre blog postings.
- Individual instructors will be asked to review the plan for their courses.
- UBC IT and CTLT will provide technical feedback and schedule windows for their services.
- Electronic and paper posters or flyers will be provided
LFS Teaching Community Opportunities
The transition to Connect presents an opportunity for collaboration within and beyond the LFS teaching community. The Learning Centre will organize sessions to facilitate capacity-building, with an emphasis on realistic, effective practices in support of pedagogical goals. Examples include designing and managing group work, effective assessments, and efficient marking.
Targets, Outcomes, and Monitoring
In order to monitor the quality and effectiveness of the LFS migration to Connect, a number of measures will be used to indicate success or the need to provide additional support.
Qualitative outcomes:
- instructor preparedness
- course design improvements
- positive teaching and learning experiences for instructors and students.
The stability and usability of the Connect platform, while not within the control of the LFS Learning Centre, will be monitored. Information on alternatives and backup resources will be provided to instructors and students.
Existing / available quality monitoring methods:
- the LFS Learning Centre’s Request Ticket tracking system.
- in-person check-ins with instructors
- visual review of online courses
- monitoring of system stability based on UBC IT and CTLT reporting
- Learning Centre staff participation in technical discussions of LMS problems and solutions
- standard student evaluations of teaching, and electronic formative review
- surveys for student and instructor feedback during courses
Preparing your course after migration
The migration process copies Vista content and structure into Connect. In most cases, CTLT will be providing a cleanup service to correct HTML and other minor technical problems that may occur in the transition. Once you access your migrated course, please follow the checklist for migrated courses.
Checklist located at:
Questions?
Please contact the Learning Centre for assistance.
LFS Learning Centre Instructional Support <mailto:is@landfood.ubc.ca>