The Montana University System (MUS) announced that it has selected the Canvas learning management system (LMS) to further its goal of reaching rural learners across the state.
In a press release, MUS and Canvas said that by unifying the learning experience on Canvas LMS – as well as Impact by Instructure and Canvas Credentials – educators across the state system will have access to foundational, evidence-based edtech solutions to support instruction.
MUS will roll out the new LMS for its more than 40,000 students across 11 institutions.
“We chose Instructure to provide our higher education institutions in Montana the tools to work together more effectively,” said Joseph Thiel, Interim Deputy Commissioner, Academic, Research and Student Affairs at the Montana University System. “Our vision is to provide Montana students a seamless learning experience of the highest quality, no matter where they reside or which of our institutions they attend.”
MUS explained that it has a long history of using online learning to reach remote learners, it added that rolling out interoperable solutions will allow the system to focus on increasing the remote delivery of resources such as mental health support, advising, and tutoring. MUS said it believes that by ensuring courses and assessments are accessible to a wide range of students, more adults have the potential to secure higher-paying jobs.
“Increasing accessibility to education is a pressing need in the United States and throughout the world and MUS is an excellent example of a coordinated statewide effort to reach students traditionally left behind,” said Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer at Instructure. “By implementing these solutions at scale, the state is making the transition to higher education smoother for students and providing opportunities for learning, regardless of geographic limitations. The potential impact of providing consistent access to high-quality education is limitless.”
Additionally, making the move to the Canvas LMS will help lower ongoing licensing costs, provide smaller institutions access to new tools including 24/7 support, and will provide students with an improved and more consistent experience across the MUS.
