The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) at UNE consists of a range of interoperable systems which provide the functionality that underpins the on-line delivery of courses at UNE. The current systems have ‘grown like topsy’ since the implementation of WebCT in the late 1990’s as functionality requirements have evolved and been added to the suite of products available to staff and students.

Following on from recommendations in the Rebbechi report, in 2008 it was agreed that a more structured approach would be desirable as the University increased its commitment to the on-line environment. As a consequence a project to review the environment was established by the Academic Board Teaching and Learning Committee with initially Damon Ferris and consequently Vicki Tan at Project Manager. The project to date has included:

• The establishment of a high level Steering Committee
• A desk audit of learning management systems in Australia and overseas
• Surveys of staff and students to obtain feedback on issues associated with the current environment and suggestions for improvement
• Consultation with each School to identify their functionality requirements
• The development of essential and desirable requirements for functionality
• The establishment of a Working Party with representation from across the University to provide feedback, assessment and analysis of information
• Demonstrations to the Working Party against the selection criteria of the identified learning management systems
• Collection of financial information on all systems for installation, implementation and continuing maintenance

There is still considerable work to be done including:

• Demonstrations to all available staff and students of all systems
• Assessment of the systems against the ICT architecture of the University
• Further consultation and analysis of information collected as part of the above processes.

Recommendations regarding the systems which are the best fit for UNE based on the functionality, technical infrastructure, organisational capacity (both vendor and university), cost (implementation and life cycle) are due to be provided to the Steering Committee before the end of 2009. Following receipt of the recommendations planning and implementation projects will then be necessary.

 I would encourage all staff to engage and contribute to the process as it progresses to ensure your requirements are taken into consideration as it is essential that any decision meets the majority of the needs of staff and students into the future.

Feedback can be provided through the VLE Review blog at http://blog.une.edu.au/vlereview/ or contact Vicki Tan x3280 or vicki.tan@une.edu.au

This entry was posted on Friday, September 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.