Proposals

Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: Using a Learning Management System to Facilitate Campus-Wide Discussions

Name: Sharon Gray

Audience: General

Audience Level: All

Length: Presentation will be 45 minutes, with 15 minutes for questions and discussion

Abstract: Most colleges currently use some sort of learning management system (LMS) for online course materials. But, a learning management system can meet other institutional needs as well, such as providing a platform for collaboration. This presentation discusses how Augustana College utilized its LMS (Moodle) to facilitate a campus-wide discussion on the college's general education curriculum, a department-wide discussion about transforming nursing education, and various smaller-group interactions.

Description: Most colleges currently use some sort of learning management system (LMS) for online course materials, either to supplement face-to-face courses or to deliver online courses. Whether a vendor-based system such as Blackboard or Desire2Learn, or an open-source system such as Sakai or Moodle, an LMS involves a significant financial investment in either licensing fees (in the case of vendor-based systems) or internal personnel (in the case of open-source systems.) In lean financial times, it makes good fiscal sense to leverage an institution's existing LMS investment in order to meet other institutional needs. Facilitating campus-wide discussions is one way an institution can capitalize on the collaborative tools that exist in an LMS.

This presentation discusses how Augustana College utilized its LMS (Moodle) to facilitate a campus-wide discussion on the college's general education curriculum, a department-wide discussion about transforming nursing education, and other smaller-group interactions.

The campus-wide general education curriculum discussion involved all tenure-track faculty, which had the added benefit of introducing Moodle to some faculty who had never used it before. In this particular case, the Academic Dean wanted to find a way to engage all faculty in reflecting upon the vision, goals, and expected outcomes for our general education curriculum, topics which can become an academic political minefield. A Moodle "course"; was created to house the online discussion following a number of face-to-face meetings. A facilitator was charged with posting starting comments gleaned from the face-to-face meetings. Various means of encouragement were employed to guarantee faculty participation. The opportunity for participants to reflect upon their comments before posting them allowed for a very in-depth and civil discussion of a potentially contentious topic.

The department-wide discussion regarding nursing education involved not only nursing faculty but also key individuals from area medical centers. Inclusion of these off-campus community members helped provide needed input and perspective. Again, Moodle facilitated a secure forum where topics could be thoughtfully discussed.

In addition, Augustana's Moodle has discussions and supporting materials related to the campus art gallery, student teaching, specific books, recreational services, and study abroad.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

On-Site Equipment Requirements: PC computer with PowerPoint (I can bring my laptop, if need be), Internet connection, Data projector

Contact Information/Affiliation:
Sharon Gray
Augustana College, MC 234
2001 S. Summit Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57197
(605) 274-4907