Brandeis pivots to Moodle 4 Learning Management System
July 21, 2023
Dear Faculty and Staff,
After evaluation and discussions with faculty working groups over the past several months, and a vote of the Academic Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC), Brandeis has decided to pivot from the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) implementation and will instead focus on the configuration for the newly available Moodle 4 product.
As part of this assessment, a group of faculty stakeholders had the opportunity to participate in demonstrations and engage with the newly-available Moodle 4 product. Most of the faculty who participated expressed confidence in Moodle 4's capabilities and believe it will effectively meet Brandeis University's LMS requirements.
By choosing to implement Moodle 4, the limitations of the existing product identified by faculty over the past 2-3 years will be addressed. This decision also allows us to leverage the customization options available with Moodle 4, and tailor the platform to the current and specific needs of Brandeis, with significant savings to the university.
In early fall, ATAC will reconvene the LMS Working Groups assembled this past spring, to gather valuable input and ensure a smooth transition. These groups will provide guidance and feedback for the implementation work, helping to shape the future of our LMS. More information about the Working Groups, including how to get involved, will be communicated in the coming weeks.
A Moodle Steering Subcommittee, reporting to ATAC, will continue to assess faculty and student needs relating to the LMS in the years ahead to ensure that Moodle 4 will provide a robust LMS that is tailored for the needs of Brandeis.
Sincerely,
Carol A. Fierke
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Stew Uretsky
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration