WebCT Standard, the online learning management system currently used by CQU will not be legally available for use after March 2004.

CQU Web CT coordinator Phillipa Sturgess said the supplier’s withdrawal of this product has forced CQU to seek an alternative system.

“In order to allow staff involved in online teaching to make a smooth transition to the new system, a decision about the new system will be made by the end of March 2003,” she said.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Profesoor Ron Davies has convened a working party involving members from the faculties and divisions to aid in the decision-making.

Ms Sturgess said the evaluation process has already begun with a shortlist of four potential products having been identified for further investigation. These four products, WebCT Campus Edition, Blackboard, Educator and WebFuse, all meet the basic requirements for our online teaching environment. “Timelines for the evaluation process are tight, but the working party is committed to making a decision by the end of March.

“To expedite the evaluation process, the working party will operate as a number of small groups each investigating a different aspect of the learning management systems.

“This will ensure that all aspects are taken into consideration when the decision is made.

The groups will look at technical issues, educational requirements, the potential for design and management issues. Consultation with the CQU community is an important element of the decision-making process. A survey of teaching staff has already been conducted and further opportunities for the CQU community to have input into the evaluation process are planned.