Fall update: Canvas Learning Management System

This fall will bring a new learning management system that replaces Blackboard. Starting in fall 2022, eight Johns Hopkins schools will fully switch to Canvas as the core learning and teaching technology used to deliver online and hybrid courses, and to supplement in-person courses at the university. The change does not affect courses at the university's Bloomberg School of Public Health or Center for Talented Youth.

Over the past year, teams from around the university have been working to migrate over 15,000 courses from Blackboard, integrate Canvas with student systems, train faculty and students, and ensure that dozens of other instructional technology tools work seamlessly with Canvas. The first early adopter courses ran on Canvas in the spring 2022 semester and provided real-world feedback to help identify and fix issues. By the summer 2022 semester, several divisions had completely switched to Canvas, while others were running on Blackboard and Canvas in parallel. Change is never without a learning curve, but those who have been using Canvas for a few months now can attest that this change is worth the effort.

Those who have not yet logged into Canvas can do so at canvas.jhu.edu or by downloading the Canvas app for instructors or for students.

Getting Started with Canvas

The central Canvas information site has login information and extensive documentation, including frequently asked questions for faculty and for students. Starting guides for faculty and for students are also available.

Starting on December 1, 2022, Blackboard will no longer be available. Divisions have been working with faculty to preserve course content, but personal content stored in Blackboard, such as assignment submissions, needs to be archived by individual faculty and students. The JHU Canvas site has guides for preserving Blackboard content for both faculty and students.

Those with questions or who need support should contact their divisional support center. Students who are having trouble finding their course should consult the online guide for assistance.