Implementing an open source learning management system: A critical analysis of change strategies

Abstract

This paper analyses the change and innovation strategies that Charles Sturt University (CSU) used from 2007 to 2009 during the implementation and mainstreaming of an open source learning management system (LMS), Sakai, named locally as CSU Interact. CSU was in January 2008 the first Australian University to implement an open source learning management system institution wide. The unique characteristics of implementing change and innovation in higher education are discussed as well as CSU's change model, which comprises eight dimensions that can occur in any order and also in parallel, and is based on the work of Kotter, Cohen and Synnot. Two key strategies have emerged to support change, namely the building of learning communities and the sharing of best practice in implementing educational technology. Other findings were that the change was largely driven from the bottom up and with top management support and through the writer's role, from middle management in terms of top down strategies. Technological innovations in the context of an open source learning management system have wider, external implications than the local institution given the free flow of information and intellectual property within the community.

Collaborative e-learning course design: Impacts on instructors in the Open University of Tanzania

“…These results are consistent with other studies that use collaborative design by instructors as a strategy to implement curriculum innovations (e.g. Garrote, Petterson & Christie, 2011;Mishra et al, 2007;Uys, 2010;Voogt, 2010). The combination of a bottom up strategy with support from top management and facilitated by the researcher, as was applied in this study, was similar to the experiences of Uys (2010) in the context of Australia.…”

“…Garrote, Petterson & Christie, 2011;Mishra et al, 2007;Uys, 2010;Voogt, 2010). The combination of a bottom up strategy with support from top management and facilitated by the researcher, as was applied in this study, was similar to the experiences of Uys (2010) in the context of Australia.…”

LiveUSB Mediated Education: A method to facilitate computer supported education

“…It was important to inspire them to act as pioneers in their workplaces and prepare them to give courses about the handling of a LMS as well as support other teachers who wished to try using the software (Birch & Burnett, 2009;Uys, 2010). Since one important aspect of a LMS is the convenience with which OER can be incorporated into the system, it was desirable to draw the participants' attention to the availability of free resources that can be found on the Internet.…”

Models and Frameworks for a Successful Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Implementation

“…This model reflects a three years practical experience of change and innovation by the university during its development of E-learning systems from 2007 -2009. This model is based on Kotter's model as explained earlier, yet Kotter's model focuses on change management. The CSU model consists of eight major steps which does not need a specific order for implementation (Uys, 2010). Whereas, it is possible to start with any step without abiding to order, however, it is possible to implement these steps simultaneously.…”

“…The above two sub steps indicate that the aim of this learning committee is to provide various topics relevant to a university's E-learning system (CSU interact), discussing them among this committee members such as E-Learning system evaluation, visualizing online content, and attaining an E-portfolio. (Uys, 2010) In regard to sharing best practices, these should be shared with others; it involves various topics relevant to E-learning systems such as course content design. Best practices are considered to be as reference to others because they express the summary of experience towards a certain topic.…”