The Strategic E-Learning Project at the University of Iowa

By the Summer of 2003, the University of Iowa was struggling with making a decision on a key IT system.  From a strategic viewpoint, the University needed to choose one enterprise-level Course Management System, moving beyond their earlier tactical usage of multiple systems.  This strategy was driven by changes in the market resulting in higher licensing fees, student expectations for technology, and the desire to integrate systems into a cohesive e-learning platform.  The problem was that the University could not figure out how to make this decision without alienating half of the campus.

Starting in July 2003, I helped the University of Iowa to form a small group of faculty and staff to evaluate how University of Iowa instructors currently use technology to support teaching and learning, and how instructors and colleges envision using instructional technologies in the future.

Key findings from the assessment and recommendations for moving forward are contained in the Assessment Phase.

One of the key results was that the University successfully chose a common strategic e-learning platform in the Fall of 2004 CMS Selection.  Significantly, this decision has been fully supported by the whole University. 

Based on popular demand, I have  included these public reports below, as a reference for other colleges and universities who are looking for a model in adopting a strategic approach to e-learning with the full support of your institution.