Overview
UT San Antonio is transitioning from SoftChalk Cloud to CourseArc as our new supported tool for building interactive instructional content. CourseArc is fully web-based, requires no software downloads, and is designed with accessibility as a core principle. This guide outlines what’s changing, your options for existing SoftChalk content, and the steps to take for each option.
Why CourseArc?
CourseArc was selected to provide a more modern, accessible content authoring experience. It is a fully web-based platform, allowing you to create and update content from anywhere without the need for additional software. CourseArc was also built with accessibility in mind, including features that help ensure content meets accessibility standards from the start. For example, it can automatically generate accessible versions of interactive activities, helping reduce the need for manual remediation.
In addition, CourseArc offers a wider range of content components, such as interactive charts, structured content blocks, and flexible layout options, giving you more ways to design engaging and dynamic learning experiences. This transition supports a more consistent and accessible learning experience for students while giving you flexible tools to design and update course content.
SoftChalk Availability and Transition Timeline
SoftChalk Cloud will remain available to faculty through August 30, 2026. During this time, you can continue to access your existing content and choose a transition pathway that works best for you. After August 30, 2026, SoftChalk Cloud content will no longer be accessible. Any content not migrated or downloaded before this date will no longer be available.
To help us plan the right level of support, we recommend completing the SoftChalk Transition Acknowledgment Form to indicate your intended approach.
Explore Your Migration Options
Overview
Choose this option if you’d like to actively review and enhance your course content during the transition to CourseArc. This approach gives you the opportunity to revisit your lessons, refine activities, and take advantage of CourseArc’s new functionality and design capabilities.
What you’ll do to get started:
- Submit a CourseArc Access Request Form.
- Recommended: Attend an upcoming CourseArc Training
- Rebuild and refine your content in CourseArc.
- Update activities, structure, and content as needed.
- Use the CourseArc Getting Started for Faculty Guide for an overview of CourseArc, access steps, and how to begin building your content.
Overview
Choose this option if you would like Academic Innovation to migrate your SoftChalk lessons into CourseArc on your behalf. Please know that requests are completed on a first-come, first-served basis.
What you’ll do to get started:
- Review the Preparing Your SoftChalk Content for CourseArc Migration Guide.
- Submit a CourseArc Content Migration Request Form.
- Share your SoftChalk lessons with Academic Innovation or provide SoftChalk lesson URLs or Canvas assignment URLs.
- Recommended: Attend an upcoming CourseArc Training
- After migration, review your content in CourseArc and make any needed updates.
- Ensure your content meets accessibility requirements before using it with students.
Overview
Choose this option if you do not plan to migrate your content to CourseArc. You may still wish to retain a copy of your content for reference.
What you can do:
- Take no action if you no longer need the content.
- Download a copy of your SoftChalk content for your records.
Support and Planning
Academic Innovation offers multiple ways to support your transition from SoftChalk to CourseArc. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or guided support, you can choose the option that best fits your needs.
To get started, you can:
- Attend an upcoming CourseArc training session to learn how to build and design content.
- Book a consultation for one-on-one support with your course materials.
- Visit the Academic Innovation Center for questions and guidance.
Resources
For more information, please review these additional resources:
Support
For support, email [email protected], call 210-458-4520, or book a consultation with our TLDT experts.