Changing Cars in Mid-race: A Case History of a Web-based Courseware Management System Transition at Southern Cross University

Sue Sawkins, Southern Cross Online Southern Cross University, ssawkins@scu.edu.au
Allan Ellis, School of Social and Workplace Development Southern Cross University aellis@scu.edu.au
Schelly Gardner, Southern Cross Online Southern Cross University sgardner@scu.edu.au

Keywords

Web-based course management system, WCMS, online learning system, technical support, change management

Abstract

Competitive pressure to be part of the global explosion of Internet delivered, Web-based courses has resulted in many universities implementing 'off the shelf' courseware management systems. These initial systems, whilst providing an effective start-up environment, will likely over time not continue to meet the evolving needs of the institution or offer the features and efficiencies of new products. Sooner of later a transition to a new Web-based courseware management system will need to occur. This paper details such a transition at Southern Cross University. It describes the transition's goals and plans and compares them with the actual implementation steps and final outcomes. From the lessons learnt, eleven recommendations are made that should be useful to other institutions encountering a similar situation.