Bringing the NZDipBus on-line: A case study

Abstract

This paper examines the processes that have been undertaken at UNITEC over the last two years to incorporate quality on-line learning into the NZ Diploma in Business programme.

In Semester 2 1998 150 Computer Concepts was developed as an on-line course. The successful development of the course was due to the combined efforts of an instructional designer, two web programmers, a graphic designer and the course lecturer. This course was very costly to produce. As one of UNITEC's vision statements is to have "a flexible learning environment characterised by innovation in teaching and the use of education technology" we realised that a more cost-effective manner of presenting course material on-line was necessary.

Various course authoring tools were evaluated and BlackBoard CourseInfo was chosen as the preferred software. By the end of Semester 1 2000 all NZ Diploma in Business courses offered at UNITEC had an on-line presence. The content of the courses differs but all are presented in the same manner under the BlackBoard CourseInfo shell.

This paper describes why BlackBoard CourseInfo was selected as the authoring tool and how lecturers have so quickly become proficient in the use of BlackBoard CourseInfo.

The methods in which lecturers and students use BlackBoard CourseInfo are presented in this paper as well as advice for other NZ Diploma in Business lecturers who are considering offering courses on-line.