The Ohio State University Merlot International Conference, July 26, 2005 Switching Systems Managing the CMS Transition Joanne Dehoney Director, eLearning The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Background WebCT Campus Edition v3.8 –Multiple instances in use since 1998 Courses increasing at 25% per year; 75% of OSU students have accounts (40,000+) Detailed CMS evaluation and testing process ( ) Executive Sponsors unanimously agreed to implement Desire2Learn, aka “Carmen” (Spring 2004)

The Ohio State University Carmen Project Objectives Implement mission-critical, enterprise application Establish appropriate policies Enable adoption Ensure secure access to data Provide high system availability Consolidate authoritative data and functions Convert courses Train and support users

The Ohio State University Project Scope System implementation –Desire2Learn Learning Platform –Desire2Learn Learning Object Repository WebCt course conversions from four servers; ~1800 instructors Integration with Libraries; streaming media services Support model for non-traditional courses

The Ohio State University

CIO, Provost, Sr. VP for Business & Finance Deans Deputy CIO’s; Associate Vice Provost, Health Sciences; Registrar Directors within CIO org Dana Frigula Assoc Director, OITDirector, eLearning Manager, Help Desk Beck Andre

The Ohio State University Project Observations Successes –Software course conversion –Help system –Informational / Support Website Challenges –Vendor management –Best use of advisory boards –Internal: working well across tech organization Do differently –Firm up software lifecycle management in contract –Advisory groups: better definition? Effective Communications –Quarterly updates to Executive Advisors and Sponsors – s to WebCT users: meticulously drafted –“Curious About Carmen” seminar –Get-togethers - with food - for campus faculty support

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