e-College Review
It was five months ago that the CETL initiated the evaluation of the e-College system, not only as a course management tool, but for learning outcomes management, as well. Representatives from e-College visited UNC and showcased the product to the UNC campus community. We then assembled a team to visit the e-College headquarters to gain a better understanding of their operations and to determine if their system was a proper fit for the university in regards to technology-enhanced teaching and pure online extension. The e-College financial model was examined, as well, to determine if the fee structure was a proper fit for UNC and what changes would have to occur in this sensitive area. Finally, we presented the product as it is used in the classroom one more time at the UNC campus to ensure increased faculty input before the decision was made whether or not to adopt. You should know that the e-College system was reviewed by CETL Instructional Designers, our Blackboard Administrator, the Assistant Vice President for Information Technology, IT directors, the AVP for Academic Affairs, two CETL Advisory Board members, and faculty representatives from Monfort College of Business, the Library, NHS, the College of Performing Arts, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Office of the Provost.
Based on the review, discussions, and assessment by the representatives from all these sectors, it was the recommendation from the CETL, Academic Affairs, and Information Technology that we not pursue adopting a new Learning Management System at this time. The decision was based on satisfaction with our current Blackboard system, the readiness of the UNC campus to invoke a major change in the academic delivery system, and the timing of such an adoption. As a classroom tool, e-College was well-received by faculty members. In fact, many features were deemed more intuitive and superior to Blackboard. At the CETL, we examined features that went beyond the classroom, such as services for student users and assessment with other programs outside of the classroom. There were concerns regarding the fee structure which would be increased and passed through to our on-line users, the monumental task of copying all courses from Blackboard to e-College (e-College explained they could and would handle this laborious task, free of charge), and the proper “fit” for our hybrid or “technology enhanced” courses. Again, a reluctance to migrate is based more on timeliness and “fit” for the UNC campus than on the e-College product itself.
The CETL will continue to examine new technology and pedagogy that contribute to better teaching, learning, and scholarship