Information Technology Services, in conjunction with the Educational Technology team, recently announced a transition of our learning management system from Blackboard to Canvas.

In order to ensure a successful transition, a preliminary structure has been established that will be key in ensuring that the implementation process goes smoothly. 

Timeline

Due to current contract constraints with Blackboard, the following implementation timeline has been established. As the project progresses and we receive input from stakeholders, this timeline may change and become more detailed. Updates will be made available at at.fscj.edu/canvas/timeline/.

Major Milestones

• Summer 2018: Build the Canvas environment and its integrations into PeopleSoft. 
• Fall 2018/Spring 2019: Transition Team begins documenting best practices for LMS. Targeted training for trainers, transition team, early adopters, then open to all faculty/staff. Blackboard course content migration process underway.
• Fall 2019/Spring 2020: Faculty begin teaching in Canvas.  
• May 2020: All classes live in Canvas. Blackboard contract ends and is no longer available.

Communication

The book for the 2018-19 Author Series will be "Black Man in a White Coat: A Doctor's Reflections on Race and Medicine," by Dr. Damon Tweedy. Dr. Tweedy is an associate professor of psychiatry at Duke University School of Medicine and staff physician at the Durham Veteran Affairs Health System. 

In"Black Man in a White Coat," Dr. Tweedy describes the many barriers minorities face for access to quality health care and higher education. The book is one of Time Magazine’s top 10 non-fiction books of the year and a New York Times best seller. The text brings several important social issues including the racial inequities of medicine and higher education.

This March, Dr. Tweedy will visit to discuss his memoir. Learn more about the author.

Professor of Speech Melissa Boyd will serve as the faculty lead this year. If you would you like to be involved, you may email her at melissa.boyd@fscj.edu.

Books will be distributed to Liberal Arts and Sciences faculty in July through intercampus mail. If you would like a book mailed to your home or summer residence, please email Elena Smith at elena.smith@fscj.edu.

More details on the 2018-19 Author Series will be announced soon.