A more modern system, Brightspace, will replace Blackboard.
To improve the learning experience, St. Augustine's University switched to Brightspace as the learning management system (LMS) for its academic courses. Brightspace, from education technology company Desire2Learn, is an online tool that allows students to view assignment details, submit work, participate in discussions, check their grades, and get feedback from instructors.
Brightspace will replace Blackboard as the LMS at St. Augustine University, and campus leaders said the change should benefit students, teachers, administrators and administrators.
“This new learning management system is more modern and will better assist students in tracking their academic progress,” said Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, interim president of Saint Augustine University. Dr. Burgess added that the new LMS is one of many improvements already in place or currently in development. “This is all part of our efforts to ensure that students have a great experience on campus.”
Valerie Evans, director of teaching, learning and instructional technology, explains that Brightspace “has some great features that Blackboard doesn't have. It makes a dramatic difference for students. They get easier access to their courses, grades and calendars. It's a more intuitive experience for students.”
Evans said improvements include embedded audio and video options throughout the system for students and faculty, early warning tools integrated into the grade center, better graphics and better dashboards in a mobile-friendly environment.
She said Brightspace offers powerful student progress analytics for faculty. Administrators also benefit: Brightspace offers more macro-level analytics, allowing campus leaders to see department-level trends and determine where resources are most needed.
Dr. Janelle Jennings Alexander, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Experience, added, “BrightSpace will enable us to improve how we serve students, from how we identify their academic support needs to how we evaluate our effectiveness as educators. We are also excited about the ability to measure and improve learning outcomes through this system.”
Evans said Brightspace will inherit one feature of Blackboard: free access to Cengage textbooks seamlessly through the learning management system.
Universities that have switched to Brightspace have concluded that it is easier to use than other LMS tools. In June 2024, a survey released by G2, a company that reviews business software and services, named Brightspace the easiest LMS to use.
Evans has been leading a university-wide effort to get students and faculty up and running with Brightspace, and she is confident that SAU will be up and running in time for the start of classes on September 3. Faculty will receive training on the new system over the summer and continue their professional development on Brightspace tools throughout the semester. Support for students will come from multiple sources, including a self-paced orientation and faculty demonstrations within the Brightspace system.
This new partnership with Brightspace is just one of the ways Saint Augustine’s University is evolving to meet the needs of its students, faculty and staff.