University appoints new VLE provider

The University of Wolverhampton is delighted to announce that Canvas will provide its new Virtual Learning Environment.

The cloud-based learning platform, by Instructure, will provide students access to interact with learning materials on the devices of their choice.

Canvas was chosen after a thorough competitive tender process and will replace the University’s current in-house VLE, WOLF.

It will be phased in with selected early adopters from September 2016 and fully introduced for all staff and students by September 2017.

The selection of a new VLE is part of the University’s wider approach to revolutionise its digital infrastructure through its Digital Campus programme.

The initiative will transform the way the University uses technology in its learning and teaching and its day to day business.

Professor Geoff Layer, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “One of our key aims is to put students first and the introduction of an innovative new virtual learning environment will certainly help us achieve that.

“Today, VLEs are central to how universities deliver learning to students and share and interact with them.

“Canvas will provide a rich and exciting platform upon which the University can strengthen and underpin its academic, research and community activities putting students at the centre of some of the latest software and technologies to enhance their learning.”

Kenny Nicholl, Director of EMEA for Canvas, said: ““We are delighted that University of Wolverhampton has chosen Canvas as the VLE of choice for their innovative Digital Campus programme. Universities are continually looking for new ways to enhance the learning experience and help improve teaching effectiveness.

“This is even more important and relevant today as the sector considers carefully their response to the Government's Teaching Excellence Framework.  As a modern, easy to use VLE, this is why Canvas is being selected by institutions across the UK. We are delighted to welcome Wolverhampton to the impressive UK Higher Education Canvas Community.”

The £13m Digital Campus programme is made up of five distinct projects which will deliver innovative learning and teaching tools, provide quickly-accessible business data, provide students and staff with access to the software they need when and where they need it and provide a single access point into the University’s digital world.

It forms part of the University’s Our Vision, Your Opportunity strategy, which aims to generate £250m of investment over the next five years in education, learning and regeneration.

ENDS

For more information please contact James Allen in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322003.