UCA administration has made the decision to make Brightspace the new learning management system for students starting next year.
Brightspace is the fastest-growing learning management system in higher education, in use by over 1,600 institutions and 20 million users worldwide.
Prominent universities such as Missouri State, Purdue and the University of Arizona use Brightspace as their learning management system.
Dr. Amy Hawkins, assistant provost for The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Academic Leadership, said Brightspace is able to “modernize learning, consolidate technology and improve outcomes.”
“Brightspace supports personalized, inclusive and data-informed learning experiences that align with UCA’s holistic approach to student success,” Hawkins said. “Faculty can automate engagement using intelligent agents and release conditions, while real-time analytics help identify achievement gaps and guide student development.”
“Our contract with the current learning management system was nearing renewal, which made it a good time to review other options,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Michael Hargis said. “The goal was to select a system that serves both students and faculty well by selecting a tool that is easy to navigate, accessible and works seamlessly with the tools we already use,” Hargis said.
The UCA Teaching Technology Advisory Committee made the decision through a combination of established criteria and campus-wide feedback.
Ultimately, Brightspace was chosen for its abilities to enhance student learning through providing learning and organizational tools.
“A useful [Learning Management System] also makes it easier to give timely feedback, create collaborative learning opportunities and help faculty recognize when students may need extra support,” Hargis said. “The ultimate goal is to make teaching and learning smoother and more meaningful by removing the frustrations that come with outdated technology.”
With the introduction of Brightspace comes its ability to use AI as a learning tool.
“Specific features in Brightspace that set it apart include their holistic embedding of generative AI-assisted learning for students and interactive tools offered through their partnership with H5P,” Hawkins said.
UCA administration echoed this sentiment.
“Modern learning platforms are designed to evolve alongside new technology,” Hargis said.
“They allow faculty to thoughtfully incorporate tools that personalize learning, enhance feedback, and help students build the digital skills they’ll need after graduation.”
While AI tools have become increasingly useful in the modern job market, UCA still wants human connection to be a key part of the educational process.
“The key idea is balance. We want our tools to support learning, not replace the human connection that makes education meaningful,” Hargis said.
CETAL will oversee faculty training in Brightspace for the upcoming academic year.
Brightspace training will take place during the Spring semester and continue into the summer of 2026.
“The biggest statement we are making in choosing Brightspace is a commitment to innovation in our use of instructional technology,” Tonya McKinney, an instructional technology manager for CETAL, said. “Brightspace is going to empower faculty to engage students in active online learning that harnesses the power of how human brains learn. Brightspace is not simply a repository for course content; it is an opportunity to engage in an active online learning community among faculty and students.”
Blackboard will officially be no longer in use on June 30, 2026. Courses during the Summer 2026 cycle will use Brightspace as their learning management system.
