Overload: Deploying 5 WebCT Instances While Simultaneously Integrating with Banner

Wednesday, 14 July 2004

This presentation is part of H-13: WebCT and SCT: Integrating SCT Luminus and Banner with WebCT

Overload: Deploying 5 WebCT Instances While Simultaneously Integrating with Banner

Description: In preparation for the SCT Luminis deployment, MSU first integrated WebCT Campus Edition with SCT Banner. In the process ITS elevated WebCT support to enterprise level status. During the integration, ITS faced new means of interaction within ITS and strengthened partnerships with other departments. In August 2003, MSU deployed a WebCT model with five instances, one of which is completely integrated with SCT Banner. This session will describe the integration effort and share lessons learned.
Presentation Format: Oral
Topic: Integrating the campus: Technical solutions and extended uses
Target Audience: Faculty and Other Instructors, System Administrators, Senior Administrators, E-learning Managers, K-12 Educational Staff
Appropriate Audience Level: Experienced WebCT users
WebCT Version:
Abstract Text: MSU’s initial implementation of WebCT was a grassroots effort resulting in an eclectic mix of loosely coordinated courses. Instructors had the responsibility of managing courses which produced numerous course rosters and titles that were mismatched from Banner. Preparations for deployment of Luminis revealed that Banner integration was essential. The challenge was to create an environment where credit courses followed university policy while also providing a flexible environment for the non-typical courses.
MSU introduced WebCT in 1999 with 65 courses in a non-integrated environment. In spring 2001, MSU’s Course Management Task Force concluded that WebCT would be the recommended tool. ITS developed a multi-pronged training solution which increased attention, size and demands, and soon 333 courses existed.
A committee of ITS personnel met bi-monthly to recommend solutions for integration. The committee formed a faculty advisory group to seek input and ownership. Key WebCT departments were counseled about the effect of integration on their courses. ITS enlisted the support of the Registrar’s office in enforcing current university policies within WebCT.
In August 2003, MSU deployed a WebCT model with 5 WebCT instances. Academic WebCT is integrated with Banner and hosts academic courses, while External WebCT is for the remaining course. The initial load on Academic WebCT was 5371 courses with 415 being used throughout the fall semester.
ITS discovered that marketing was critical to the success of integration. With a customized Banner Web page, WebCT courses can be combined. While most users were thrilled with the changes that integration provided, some were not. Dealing with the effect of “change” and communicating deadlines has proved challenging. ITS strives to provide a functional integrated environment that follows university policies and procedures. The deployment of a Luminis portal and WebCT upgrades require ITS to continue working with administrative and academic departments to strengthen the model.

See more of WebCT and SCT: Integrating SCT Luminus and Banner with WebCT
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Description:	In preparation for the SCT Luminis deployment, MSU first integrated WebCT Campus Edition with SCT Banner. In the process ITS elevated WebCT support to enterprise level status. During the integration, ITS faced new means of interaction within ITS and strengthened partnerships with other departments. In August 2003, MSU deployed a WebCT model with five instances, one of which is completely integrated with SCT Banner. This session will describe the integration effort and share lessons learned.
Presentation Format:	Oral
Topic:	Integrating the campus: Technical solutions and extended uses
Target Audience:	Faculty and Other Instructors, System Administrators, Senior Administrators, E-learning Managers, K-12 Educational Staff
Appropriate Audience Level:	Experienced WebCT users
WebCT Version:
Abstract Text:	MSU’s initial implementation of WebCT was a grassroots effort resulting in an eclectic mix of loosely coordinated courses. Instructors had the responsibility of managing courses which produced numerous course rosters and titles that were mismatched from Banner. Preparations for deployment of Luminis revealed that Banner integration was essential. The challenge was to create an environment where credit courses followed university policy while also providing a flexible environment for the non-typical courses. MSU introduced WebCT in 1999 with 65 courses in a non-integrated environment. In spring 2001, MSU’s Course Management Task Force concluded that WebCT would be the recommended tool. ITS developed a multi-pronged training solution which increased attention, size and demands, and soon 333 courses existed. A committee of ITS personnel met bi-monthly to recommend solutions for integration. The committee formed a faculty advisory group to seek input and ownership. Key WebCT departments were counseled about the effect of integration on their courses. ITS enlisted the support of the Registrar’s office in enforcing current university policies within WebCT. In August 2003, MSU deployed a WebCT model with 5 WebCT instances. Academic WebCT is integrated with Banner and hosts academic courses, while External WebCT is for the remaining course. The initial load on Academic WebCT was 5371 courses with 415 being used throughout the fall semester. ITS discovered that marketing was critical to the success of integration. With a customized Banner Web page, WebCT courses can be combined. While most users were thrilled with the changes that integration provided, some were not. Dealing with the effect of “change” and communicating deadlines has proved challenging. ITS strives to provide a functional integrated environment that follows university policies and procedures. The deployment of a Luminis portal and WebCT upgrades require ITS to continue working with administrative and academic departments to strengthen the model.