Sue Sawkins
Online Development
Southern Cross Online, Southern Cross University,
ssawkins@scu.edu.au
student portal, personalisation, intranet, change management
Adopting an institution-wide Web-based Course Management System (WBCMS) has brought the concept of a personalised online homebase for students at Southern Cross University to reality. All students at the University, regardless of whether they are engaged in online units or not, can now log in to their own online homebase, called MySCU. From this portal they access a range of intranet services - a personal calendar and tasks area, links to their units, as well as links to the Library, Computing and a range of supporting services.
The decision to develop this online environment which is available to all students has impacted on the University in a range of ways. The demand on the current administrative systems and databases to provide seamless access to timely information is a major challenge. Students expectations for a rich online environment to support their learning is proving to be a powerful catalyst for change in the way academic programs are being delivered. What started out as a transition from one WBCMS to another, has resulted, through the adoption of a personalised student portal, in a major shift in the way the University undertakes its activities.
The poster presentation will discuss the lessons learnt in establishing this personalised student portal and will demonstrate some of its features.
[ Full Paper ] [ Presentation ] [ Proceedings ] [ AusWeb01 Home Page ]