Development and implementation on an LMS: Universiti Utara Malaysia's experience

• Main Authors: Shaari, Ahmad Jelani, Ta'a, Azman, Abu Bakar, Muhamad Shahbani
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: HD28 Management. Industrial Management
• Online Access: http://repo.uum.edu.my/279/1/DEVELOPMENT_AND_IMPLEMENTATION_OF_AN_LMS_-_UUM_EXPERIENCE.pdf; http://repo.uum.edu.my/279/

The implementation of e-learning in the teaching and learning at UUM started in 2000 with the selection and development of an integrated system that encompasses both academic and administrative components of higher education. Developed jointly by a local IT company and UUM, the system comprises of twelve modules that provides UUM’s academic community with arrays of innovative strategies and activities to enhance the conventional face-to-face instruction. Currently, the system is being used as a supplementary component to instruction. Besides serving as central depository for learning materials, the system provides capabilities for synchronous or asynchronous threaded discussion forum, online assessment and tracking of students’ access to the modules. As a result, the e-learning system has become a major component in UUM Community Portal in supporting the university community’s needs based on academic, research and administrative requirements. To date, a total of 1900 academic staff have undergone the training and 75% have been using the system in their courses since 2002. Feedback's from both academic staff and students have shown that the system has merits for teaching and learning; however, major issues that have been frequently raised concern the infra and info structure as well as pedagogical aspects. Despite all the obstacles, the University policy and incremental implementation has been the major push factors in the integration of the system in the teaching and learning process. In order to support these service, a good strategic planning for the university's vision and mission has to be developed and at the same time, a well-organized e-learning manage,ent needs to be implementation in the organization.