LMS Transition

Case Study: Enterprise-Wide LMS Implementation

Challenge

A new Learning Management System (LMS) rollout faced faculty resistance: trainings were overly technical, disconnected from teaching practice, and and didn’t clearly demonstrate how effective LMS use could support high-quality instruction and enhance student experience and outcomes. Without adoption, course quality and student engagement risked inconsistency across modalities, limiting the institution’s ability to enhance the overall student experience.

My Role

Change strategist and lead trainer responsible for designing, implementing, and assessing a comprehensive, pedagogy-driven LMS training program.

Process & Assessment

  • Analyzed Blackboard and Canvas LMS tools and processes to create side-by-side training.

  • Collaborated with IT, instructional designers, and discipline-specific focus groups of faculty to identify fears, tech challenges, and training needs.

  • Created a phased LMS rollout plan that prioritized foundational tasks for immediate faculty use (syllabus uploads, student announcements) while ensuring critical elements like gradebook setup were configured correctly from day one.

  • Designed hands-on workshops and an online course allowing faculty to experience the LMS as both instructors and students, gaining practical skills and insight into effective teaching practices.

  • Developed asynchronous microlearning, video tutorials, and job aids for flexible, just-in-time learning.

  • Identified faculty champions and created a peer mentorship program with toolkits and an on-demand support channel.

  • Embedded assessment strategies including pre/post surveys, adoption metrics, and feedback loops to monitor LMS proficiency.

  • Implemented a faculty certification pathway validating mastery of LMS functionality and evidence-based teaching practices.

Deliverables

  • Blended LMS curriculum integrating pedagogy and technical training tailored to faculty needs.

  • Faculty job aids, on-demand tutorials, and peer mentor toolkits.

  • Student-facing LMS orientation modules.

  • Assessment framework tracking adoption, confidence, and behavioral change.

  • Faculty certification in LMS use and effective teaching practices.

Impact

  • Faculty satisfaction: 92% positive feedback on training and course experience.

  • Full LMS adoption achieved ahead of schedule, including in-person courses.

  • Self-reported competency increased 40%.

  • Training model became a blueprint for future technology rollouts and ongoing faculty development.

  • More pedagogically sound, accessible, and learner-centered that supported both online and in-person students.

Insights Learned

  • Pedagogy drives adoption. Linking effective LMS use to quality teaching and improved student outcomes increases faculty engagement and ensures technology adoption translates into meaningful learning experiences.

  • Student perspective builds empathy. Experiencing courses as students helps faculty anticipate challenges and improve the learning experience.

  • Peer support multiplies impact. Mentors reduce administrative burden and reinforce accountability.

  • Certification motivates mastery. Validating both technical and pedagogical competence ensures sustained adoption.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is essential. Involving IT, instructional designers, and faculty champions ensures training is practical, relevant, and scalable.