“WebCT is a dated application that was developed in the late ’90s. It was introduced to the University of Akron’s Wayne College in 1999, and brought to the university’s main campus a year later. The version of WebCT we were using was at the end of its life cycle, said John Savery, director of Learning Technology and Scholar-Learner Services.”
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WebCT is a dated application that was developed in the late ’90s.

It was introduced to the University of Akron’s Wayne College in 1999, and brought to the university’s main campus a year later.

The version of WebCT we were using was at the end of its life cycle, said John Savery, director of Learning Technology and Scholar-Learner Services.

Curriculum designer Jill Phipps said it was necessary to find a new learning management system, although she considered WebCT an excellent program at the time.

The process of selecting a new learning management system began April 3 and ended July 20. Surveys from almost 200 students and other interested parties were included in this process

The new system is called Springboard! and is based on Desire2Learn, which was the final recommendation made by student, faculty and administrative steering committees. The board of trustees approved the recommendation.

Over 100 students expressed what they felt the ‘must-have’ components of an LMS were through the online surveys and this was included in the request for proposals that went to vendors, Savery said. Literally dozens of students participated in the interviews of these vendors.

He also said that the overwhelming message coming from students was, If you’re going to do it, do it well.

Reviewers found Desire2Learn easy to use, fast and intuitive. It features a common calendar which lumps all course calendars together in one place, and its organization is high-level (and) powerful.

The system uses separate servers for files, databases and applications, to reduce server load and increase the system’s flexibility.

Teachers should also be impressed by Desire2Learn’s functionality. It includes an improved grade book and a learning object repository, which allows instructors to store and share material with different sections and courses. It will also feature yearly upgrades, based on input from educators, not software designers, said Suzanne Testerman, the senior instructional designer.

Learning management systems have changed the learning environment in several ways.

Learning does not happen only during the class sessions where the instructor and the students are physically in the same place at the same time, Savery said. Learning involves making sense and this does not and should not be constrained to a clock schedule.

Learning management systems allow students to interact with each other and with instructors in broader and more flexible ways. It enhances their ability to communicate and learn. It also makes it easier for instructors to use multimedia in education.

One of the most important needs that an LMS has to address is the ability for this generation to use technology and engage in multitasking and time-slicing, Savery said.

Students can learn more about Desire2Learn at the university’s IDEAL Web site for the system, http://learn.uakron.edu/IDEAL.

IDEAL stands for integration, deployment, education, adoption, and leadership in learning.

The site will cover all aspects of the transition to the new system.

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