We are writing to request your assistance in soliciting additional direct feedback from your faculty members. As you know, the University is currently reviewing three possible software solutions for the next generation of our Learning Portal (aka Blackboard). Many faculty members have already given us feedback, but we want to make sure all faculty members have a chance to share their views before the end of the testing period on November 25th.

Giving feedback is exceptionally easy:

• Faculty members can watch recorded demonstrations of the options at their convenience and then send us their opinions;
• Faculty members can conduct their own hands-on testing of each system which will involve a link to a short survey about their experience;
• Faculty members can comment on the old system, as well as any of the new systems, by providing free-text feedback; and
• Faculty members can meet with members of the Renewal team at any of the scheduled drop-ins.

The Learning Portal is the most widely used system at U of T – by instructors, students, and staff – and we want to make sure everyone in the community has an opportunity to provide feedback. Please circulate this memo to your faculty members through any and all mechanisms you have and let us know if it would be helpful for our team to come and meet with any department who would like to discuss the initiative in more detail.

For more information, please write to Academic Toolbox Renewal Initiative at ati@utoronto.ca.