WCU transitions from Blackboard to Canvas

User interface for WCU Canvas.

WCU is ending its 24-year-old use of Blackboard, the virtual learning environment. Students will lose access to Blackboard on May 31.

All classes taught after the 2021 spring semester will be using Canvas. The transition from Blackboard will be completed before the first day of class.

For 13 states, including North Carolina, Canvas is the go-to Learning Management System (LMS) in the state funded schools as Kyle Ratsh, technician at WCU IT department, explained. According to WCU IT technician, Kody Burchfield, Canvas is more compatible with Chrome.

“Blackboard is more compatible with Firefox. However, most students use Chrome for their internet browsing,” Burchfiled said.

WCU IT expects to see a decrease in student problems with site traffic once the university fully transfers from Blackboard.

Professors will receive four courses explaining how to maneuver Canvas. WCU staff and support will receive three training sessions.

Canvas features many of the same functions that BlackBoard has. Here’s the chart showing comparisons. Canvas is offering WCU students a helpline as a guide during the transition.

“I’m happy we are changing. Blackboard was getting old and outdated. My friend use Canvas at her college and it looks much nicer,” Brianna Morrison, WCU junior.

For more information, go to Western Carolina University Canvas Website.