Attention eClass and Canvas Users,

This news post contains important information for a number of Digital Learning Environment improvements that will be introduced over the summer. 

eClass End of Life

eClass received its final update prior to Summer 2025, the final term for active credit courses on the system. At the end of the summer 2025 term, a number of changes will be made to the service as it enters a read-only state:

• Course creation for eClass will no longer be available.
• No new user accounts will be created on the site.
• No new student enrollments will be permitted.
• Infrastructure resources and site performance will be scaled down to match reduced usage.
• The eClass Branded mobile app will no longer be available for download (users will still be able to access courses via mobile browsers or with the standard moodle app.)

Access to eClass in its read-only state will continue until the system is fully decommissioned on July 1st, 2027. Note that these changes do not affect the eClass External service which will continue to be available until further notice.

Recent Changes in Canvas

• Following feedback from Winter term, the Bear Tracks Grade Exporter has been updated to improve mapping from the Canvas gradebook output columns. The tool launch location has also been moved to the course settings sub-menu (instead of in its previous location in the course navigation menu.) 
• Canvas has received scheduled improvements to site accessibility. 
• It is now possible to add freeform text blocks in quizzes to provide students additional information or guidance. Instructors who have migrated quizzes from eClass should ensure they convert stimulus questions into text block questions. 
• The STACK mathematical assessment integration in Canvas is now available for use.

Other Service Changes

• The Wooclap Canvas integration has been upgraded to an improved version that makes it possible for instructors to create assignments that map to existing Events in Wooclap.
• With the recent launch of Accommodate as the replacement for ClockWorks, the Student Accommodation Dashboard will not be functional for either eClass or Canvas for the summer 2025 term. Work is underway to rebuild the integration for Fall term.
• Simple Syllabus is now ready to use for individual instructors using a standard University-wide template and will be rolled out in a more focused manner in some faculties and departments. 
  
  

If you have any questions about any of these changes in the digital learning environment, please contact us at eclass@ualberta.ca. 

Regards,
IST eClass Support