Coffee and laptop on desk

Photo Credit: Paul Calescu


Changes coming to OWL - May 2021

Added on April 26, 2021 by Shawn Foster

During the weekend of May 1st and 2nd, we will be releasing an upgraded version of OWL. This upgrade includes exciting new features, an improved interface, a redesigned mobile experience, and many improvements and performance enhancements throughout OWL.

OWL will be unavailable during the maintenance window from Saturday, May 1st at noon to Sunday, May 2nd, 2021 at 6am EDT.

Existing sites and content in OWL prior to the upgrade will be available after the upgrade is complete. We recommend instructors review their assignments, lessons, and groups following the upgrade.

The list of site languages and languages preferences in OWL have been simplified to the following languages (from the respective regions):

  • Basque (Basque)
  • Catalan (Spain)
  • Chinese (China)
  • English (United States)
  • French (France)
  • Hindi (India)
  • Japanese (Japan)
  • Mongolian (Mongolia) 
  • Persian (Iran)
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Spanish (Spain)
  • Swedish (Sweden)
  • Turkish (Turkey)

If you are using a language in your site or in Preferences that is not listed here, we recommend you switch to one of the above languages prior to May 1st, 2021.

Following the upgrade, OWL will be using Turnitin’s new Similarity product instead of the existing Feedback Studio. For more information, please review the details about the changes to Turnitin in OWL.

Check out a preview of some of the new features coming in this upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. When is this happening?
    The weekend of Saturday, May 1st and Sunday, May 2nd, 2021, specifically noon on May 1st to 6am EDT on May 2nd.

  2. Why the weekend of May 1st and 2nd?
    These two days are the only days between the end of the April 2021 exam period (ending April 30th) and the start of the Spring/Summer 2021 term (beginning May 3rd). Saturdays and Sunday are typically our quietest days of the week too.

  3. Will I have to move or copy my existing content?
    Your existing content will remain in OWL and will be available to you again after the upgrade is complete.

  4. Will I have to relearn how to use OWL?
    While some things are changing in OWL and new features are being added, overall OWL will operate the same way that you are familiar with.