Digital Learning Environment Tools Updates
Yuja Panorama Implementation
Panorama is a digital accessibility tool that helps teaching and learning staff develop more accessible content. Following a thorough testing period, the Canvas integration has been pushed until the August change window. Faculty and staff will still be able to access the web portal with more information coming in early June.
Simple Syllabus Implementation
Simple Syllabus has been integrated with Canvas as of May 19 to prepare for the fall semester. We needed to implement the tool at the university level on May 19 in order for it to be available in advance of the fall term. The tool offers a web portal and Canvas-based access that closely integrates with courses and facilitates digital accessibility and real-time content updates (e.g., URL or phone number changes within the minimum syllabus requirements sections that have traditionally been static). More information, training and resources will be shared as we move closer to the fall semester. Additionally:
- Only our colleges/schools that have been piloting Simple Syllabus will continue to have access during the summer term with an expanded soft launch for the larger university planned for the fall term.
- When we provision fall courses, faculty will see Simple Syllabus in their Canvas course navigation pane at that time. The links, however, will not work until later in the summer when templates and permissions are finalized.
Microsoft Teams LTI Deprecation
The LMS Operations teams were provided very short notice that Microsoft will be deprecating their Teams integrations with Canvas in favor of a new unified solution. The effective date was originally June 15, but it has recently been pushed back until Sept. 15. The new solution necessitates the removal of the current Teams integration with Canvas and that will take place during our Aug. 14 change window to minimize disruption to courses. The release of the new solution is tentatively scheduled to coincide with the removal of the current tool, and we will share more as we get closer to that timeframe. If you are not using Teams in Canvas, there will be no impact to your courses.
Canvas Portfolium Deprecation
The LMS Operations teams were recently notified that the Portfolium suite of products will no longer be supported by Instructure as of June 30, 2026. The vendor plans to integrate these products into the native Canvas system. Additional information will be communicated as we learn more.
Centrally Supported/-Funded Tools
Texas A&M University supports its teaching and learning mission through the integration of centrally supported/-funded technologies that are available to all users within Canvas. By leveraging these tools, faculty can reduce burdens for students including financial costs, external logins to manage, and time spent learning new tools in addition to their coursework. The LMS website provides resources for these centrally-supported tools and our support teams and partners also offer various training and professional development sessions throughout the year.
Colleges and schools may request additional tools supported by the requestor and/or vendors. Although some tools may be paid for by colleges/schools/departments, other tools may have additional direct costs for students. To learn more, explore the LMS Tool Filter which includes a fee-incursion chart as well as options to filter tools that have a cost.
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