Informing principles

Now that Moodle has successfully been launched as USQ’s new Learning Management System (LMS), to service the USQStudyDesk, there is need establish protocols and frameworks for the future development and expansion of this system. These protocols are required to be in place prior to the project being handed over to DeC from the ICT implementation team in early July 2008. It was the declared intention of the USQStudyDesk User Reference Group (URG) that the initial deployment of Moodle, as an open source system, was seen to be the first step in the ongoing development of the USQStudyDesk and that further significant enhancements could be attained by implementing a regime that would oversee its continued expansion. In creating the required protocols there is a need to also establish an enhanced working relationship between the, yet to be established, development team and other key stakeholders in the university. Once these networks have been formed a means by which the development initiatives are prioritised is also required, as is a streamlining process for the deployment of these strategies.

Goals

To establish a means by which the USQ community can trial and embed new modules within the Moodle LMS
Establish protocols and minimum standards of using new Moodle modules
Establish robust communication networks and working relationship between DeC, Faculties, LTSU, LFII and Moodle Mentors

Strategic alignment

USQ learning and teaching plan
Fleximode plan
DeC Strategic directions plan

Details of Faculty support for an 18 month period

Reengage Moodle Mentor network

Faculty academic staff willing to trial and establish new and emerging learning and teaching tools and environments within the Moodle LMS.

Tasks, timelines and budgets

Tasks	Timeline
Establish 2 new positions within DAIS to work with Moodle	May 08
Train new staff in Moodle system with the help of the ICT Implementation team	May 08 – Jul 08
Establish linkages and working protocols with LFII, LTSU and faculties	June 08
Complete evaluation survey of Moodle mentors	27 June 08
StudyDesk support team to establish guidelines and framework for working with faculties	July 2008
Develop support resources for staff	Ongoing
Inherit Moodle development from ICT implementation team	Early Jul 08
Launch ‘Moodle Development’	Late Jul 08
Hold Faculty information sessions and focus groups	Aug – Nov 08
Initial evaluation of Moodle development process	Dec 08
Revised approach if needed	Feb 09

Total resources required

Level 7 project officer (.2) to oversee the handout

Level 7 General staff member (StudyDesk support team)

Level 5 General staff member (StudyDesk support team)

Required documentation and policy rewriting

Procedural documentation will be written

Support information available on Moodle site and also linked from the CMS page to be established

Professional development requirements

New staff will need to be trained by the Moodle implementation team

Scholarship opportunities

Moodle moot attendance is recommended for team members. Academic staff attendance should also be encouraged.

Communication plan

Prior to handover in July emails should be sent out to the university community notifying staff as to the changes in support areas.

Progress of implementation to be reported in the PRP newsletter

What we communicate	Who we communicate to	How we communicate	When we communicate
Project reports	ROP Governance	Project report	Monthly
Updates on EASE integration into Moodle	Assoc Deans (Faculties) LTEC USQ Communiqué All USQ campuses	Email Workshops with course leaders and moodle mentors PRP newsletter	As needed Each semester Monthly
New Modules in Moodle	Assoc Deans (Faculties) LTEC USQ Communiqué All USQ campuses	Email Workshops with course leaders and moodle mentors	As needed Each semester
Sample sites	All Faculty All USQ campuses	Website link	September 2008

Evaluation strategies

Feedback sought from Associate Deans (L&T), Moodle mentors and members of the USQStudyDesk URG

D3 - Moodle development