Brightspace makes good first impression on UFV faculty
Change can be scary, but change can also be exciting if it’s leading to something better. As UFV transitions from its current learning management system (Blackboard) to a new one (Brightspace), Dr. Awneet Sivia says instructors are embracing uncertainty and the challenge of learning a new system, with open arms.
“Overall, we are hearing that instructors welcome this change and are eager to begin working in Brightspace,” says Awneet, Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning. “The new LMS will advance teaching and learning at UFV. I am grateful to the dedicated LMS project team and the instructors who are piloting Brightspace this term.”
Dr. Sue Hampton, who joined UFV as an assistant professor in Arts and Integrated Studies last fall, and longtime Continuing Education instructor Sabrina Ngo experienced Brightspace for the first time in December when they participated in 12 hours of training. Sabrina, who has taught legal studies courses at UFV since 2013 and has been frustrated many times by Blackboard, was excited to try something new.
“Whenever you implement any new system, it doesn’t matter what it is, there’s going to be a fear factor,” Sabrina said. “But if you approach it with an open mind, you will find that the new LMS isn’t a major departure from the previous LMS. You’re doing the same things, and it’s more a matter of something taking one step to do now, as opposed to three steps before.”
Sabrina and Sue both view Brightspace as a clear upgrade over Blackboard, which will be fully replaced in September.
“Everything is intuitive, and nothing is hidden,” Sue said enthusiastically. “I click around Brightspace for only a moment or two before I realize, ‘Oh here it is!’”
Sabrina agreed.
“The things that should be easy are easy,” she said with a smile. “You’re not getting lost in the weeds trying to figure out some weird technological problem. We need to be focused on the content we’re putting into the system, and not annoying little things.”
After finishing the training, Sue and Sabrina dove into a winter trial, using Brightspace for their classes. Their enthusiasm for the new LMS didn’t dim, and it was matched by their students, who almost universally appreciated the user-friendly interface.
“TLC did a great job with a video that’s included in the course I’m teaching, and that was very helpful for getting the students acclimatized,” Sue said. “And whenever I needed help, I’ve had a TLC learning designer working one-on-one with me, which has been absolutely amazing.”
Sue recommends that faculty seek out all the training they can get before the full Brightspace rollout happens in May. She says the TLC has plenty of resources and trainings to help with the transition.
“Put aside some time in the spring to attend some of the sessions that the TLC is offering and get a sense of what Brightspace looks and feels like,” Sue said. “Don’t wait until the third week of August to start thinking about it. Start early.”
The TLC offers weekly ‘Ask Anything about Brightspace’ sessions on Zoom, and four workshops are on the schedule for April and May. ConnectEd 2025, taking place May 7 on the Abbotsford campus, will include four more sessions.
