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New FAQs: Updated April 2019

What is being transformed – beyond the learner experience in an LMS? 

The LX Transformation has been established to create a new learning and teaching experience, there are three parts driving transformation – moving to a single learning management system (CANVAS); reviewing and streamlining all tools and systems in our digital learning environment; and redesigning curriculum to course-led (rather than subject-based) approach.

 

What is the relationship between learning.futures and the LX Transformation?  

The LX Transformation solidifies on learning.futures commitment to innovating the way our students learn.

 

LX Transformation will give staff the tools to improve the digital learning experience, complementing the face-to-face learning on campus.

 

By combining future-focused curriculum with informed technology use, and championing an approach to learning design that places students at the centre of the creative learning experience, learning.futures’ ultimate aim is to produce graduates who are ready for the future of work.

 

How does the LX Transformation intersect with Postgraduate.futureswork?  

UTS is currently supporting a number of initiatives to support the future learning needs of the university. Postgraduate.futures and the LX Transformation Program are both part of this wider transformation, with Postgraduate.futures team working with faculties to identify and uplift a limited number of high-value courses. This includes their course work being delivered through Canvas, which the LX Transformation will further develop to enhance the wider T&L communities use and experience of the learning management system.

 

What are the responsibilities and accountabilities for professional staff in Faculties and how will they be empowered to change?  

Faculty teaching and learning staff, centre support staff and teams, and academic staff will play different roles across each faculty. With faculty needs being different the expectations of what is required for the LX Transformation will be defined with faculties and responsibilities will be agreed through this process.

 

What will the support model look like for faculty staff through the process of transforming subject sites during the transition from Blackboard to Canvas? 

The transformation for each faculty will be different, the level of support and development will be tailored to individual faculties needs. Each faculty will agree on targets and a schedule for transforming subject sites and the type of support to build digital skills. This will be developed through the faculty-specific implementation plans.

 

What kinds of support can be expected in faculties to assist with the LX Transformation program?  

The transformation for each faculty will be different, the level of support and development will be tailored to individual faculties needs. The kinds of support that will be provided could include:

  • Training packages of face2face and online
  • Access to help site, with tailored training materials to uplift digital capability
  • Roadshow on digital skills with L&T community
  • Tailored faculty communication and engagement packages to support change readiness throughout LX Transformation
  • Digital support for teaching staff through the LX.lab, including: just-in-time advice, online and face to face support, Canvas training (wider ecosystem training), self-help resources, new help site and community of practice
  • Canvas live chat

General FAQs

Is the LX Transformation simply a move to Canvas?

No. Moving to a single learning management system, Canvas, is just one element of the program – a program focused on developing a broader ecosystem that will enhance the online learning experience and streamline our approach to managing online tools and systems.

 

Are we moving to online learning only? 

No. UTS will continue to combine the best of face-to-face and blended learning. However, the LX Transformation will enable us to be more agile on the digital side of learning.

 

How can I get involved and feed into the program?

We’re running workshops with faculties, staff and students to understand what we want from a new learning management system what types of tools we use and why, and the kind of support you’ll need going forward. Please get involved and email us.

You can also sign-up for program updates.

Learning and Teaching staff FAQs

When will we all move to Canvas?

Most faculties will roll out their postgraduate coursework through Canvas in 2020, and undergraduate programs in 2021. Individual faculty plans are still being created and updates will be provided as plans are finalised. Support will be provided for faculties and staff throughout this process.

 

How will the program impact how I develop classwork?

Through the improved digital ecosystem, you’ll have a better online environment, your efforts in learning design will be better supported and you’ll have access to an improved set of tools. We’ll also be adopting a course-led approach and supporting teaching teams to work together more effectively.

 

Why are we moving to a course-led approach?

A course-led approach will enable us to create a more consistent look and feel for our courses so students have a seamless learning experience. This approach also supports a collaborative culture among teaching staff who work together to make choices about how learning takes place across courses, how subject sites support this and what tools are needed etc.

 

When will we move to this course-led approach?

We’ll be starting this work in 2019 once individual faculty plans are in place and continue embedding this approach as we move forward. The roll-out will be unique to each faculty and we’ll be supporting course directors and teaching teams with learning designers and learning technologists.

 

Can I get a Canvas subject site for my 2019 subject offerings?

Canvas is already being selectively rolled out via Postgraduate.futures  (PGf) and in specific course offerings. Beyond this, 2019 will see each individual faculty create a tailored plan to transition their courses into Canvas from 2020. In the meantime, you can get a Canvas sandpit site and start to experiment.

 

How is this linked to existing Postgraduate courses in Canvas?

As part of a strategy to rebuild coursework postgraduate numbers, the Postgraduate.futures team have been working with faculties to identify and uplift a limited number of high-value courses. This work will continue during the LX Transformation program and we will share certain resources.

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