Academic technology is a rapidly changing field that increasingly reflects the shifting landscape of platform integration and social networking capabilities. This progress is reflected in the advancement of learning management systems (LMS) that help faculty and students manage course content online.

Currently, Simmons eLearning uses a product called Blackboard. It has been announced that support for the current version of Blackboard will be phased out in 2014. In response, Simmons has begun the eLearning Transition Project in order to assess the needs of students and faculty and to choose, test, and implement an effective LMS. Goals for the new LMS will be improved integration with Simmons systems, mobile access to course material, and a modern look and feel with interface options users have come to expect, such as drag-and-drop and customizable landing pages.

The eLearning Transition Project Team is currently working with faculty and staff to gather feedback and pilot test a new LMS: Moodle-based Joule 2.0 by Moodlerooms. For up-to-date information and more insight into the project, please visit lmsproject.simmons.edu.