Organization: Joint Special Operations University – Enlisted Academy (JSOU-EA)
Project Overview:
JSOU-EA’s legacy Blackboard LMS was costly, outdated, and poorly suited for collaborative and hybrid learning. The academy needed a secure, flexible, and cost-effective solution built around tools already in use across DoD systems. I led the full migration to Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, transforming how JSOU-EA designs and delivers training.
My Role:
As Lead Instructional Designer and Project Manager, I directed the migration from end to end — from solution design and stakeholder buy-in to course rebuilds and faculty training. I designed a fully integrated learning ecosystem using Microsoft Teams and SharePoint as the core LMS.
Key Contributions:
Led the complete LMS migration strategy from Blackboard to Microsoft Teams
Designed visually engaging, student-centered SharePoint course hubs for navigation and access
Integrated Microsoft Forms into the Teams environment as a grading and assessment tool
Developed SCORM-compatible workflows to enable interactive learning content inside Microsoft’s ecosystem
Conducted technical research and testing to bridge LMS functionality gaps within Teams
Created branded course templates, job aids, and video guides to support adoption
Trained faculty and staff on instructional design, content management, and platform use
Tools Used:
Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Stream, Microsoft Forms, Clipchamp, Canva, Veed.io
Challenges Addressed:
Replacing LMS features within a non-traditional environment (Teams + SharePoint)
Ensuring accessibility, security, and ease-of-use for a military learner audience
Overcoming faculty resistance and knowledge gaps around digital design tools
Rapidly building scalable systems under tight deadlines and evolving requirements
Impact:
Elevated the user experience for students with intuitive, visually organized course pages
Integrated assessment and grading seamlessly using Microsoft-native tools
Replaced Blackboard with a no-cost, fully functional platform
Established a scalable, secure model now replicated across JSOU-EA courses
Custom SharePoint page as central navigation hub
QUICK FACTS
• Platform: Microsoft Teams + SharePoint
• Migrated From: Blackboard LMS
• Integrated Tools: Forms, Stream, Clipchamp, Canva, Veed.io
• Learning Format: Hybrid + Asynchronous
• Audience: Enlisted military learners
• Highlights:
– Reduced cost
– Upgraded UX & branding
– Streamlined student navigation
Blackboard to Teams
Old Blackboard Design
New Teams Design
Features in Action
Sharepoint images used as buttons for course materials
Used to helps students easily navigate the course
Used for Group Projects and Group Discussions
AI Avatar integrated throughout course as educational guide enhancing the student experience and leading to better learner retention and engagement.
Migrating JSOU-EA’s learning ecosystem from Blackboard to Microsoft Teams and SharePoint resulted in a fully functional, no-cost platform that improved user experience, increased accessibility, and allowed for scalable delivery across multiple cohorts. This project demonstrated how military training programs can innovate within secure, budget-conscious environments using familiar Microsoft 365 tools.