We have been including publisher content and tools in UBC Canvas courses using a tool called Willo Labs. Willo Labs added extra layers of security to keep student information and data from going to publishers. Examples of this type of content/tool include Achieve, WileyPlus, Connect, InQuizitive, MindTap, and Mastering.
However, Willo Labs was abruptly discontinued this month. Now the UBC Bookstore and LT Hub are working on a new way to include publisher content and tools in Canvas courses while still meeting UBC privacy requirements.
What do instructors need to know about this change?
- You will not experience any impact on your course content this term. Your W1 Canvas course will continue as it has until the end of term.
- Students will not lose access to paid course content this term. Publisher content and tools that are already in an active Canvas course will continue to be available for the duration indicated at the time of purchase.
- For multi-term courses, students will need to contact the LT Hub in W2 to regain access to paid course content. They will not need to pay anything extra to regain this access.
- You will not need to update existing orders for W2 course content. Publisher content and tools that have already been ordered for W2 courses will be automatically updated by the UBC Bookstore.
- You may need to take extra steps to update your publisher-based course materials in Canvas to prepare them for W2. For example, Canvas course copies from previous terms may contain links that will no longer work. You may also need to update your student instructions on how to access these publisher-based materials. It’s best to contact your publisher representative to learn more; we will also update our website as we know more.
Where can I get more information about this change?
We are working with the publishers and the UBC Privacy and Information Security Management (PrISM) team to develop a process for including course materials in Canvas. We will communicate as quickly as we can about what can be added to Canvas courses for W2. In the meantime, you can contact us at the LT Hub or reach out to the UBC Bookstore with questions.