Wattle re-development project
Re-designing the online learning environment
To address widespread dissatisfaction with the learning management system from both staff and students, a systematic review and re-design of Wattle sites and other education technologies used for the MChD program was undertaken over a period of several years to improve functionality and student experience. A searchable database (the learning content management system, or LCMS) was introduced to help students quickly and easily find relevant learning resources.
Project snapshot
What was the issue?
The MChD program historically used a customised version of Wattle, the university’s learning management system, which included a bespoke plugin to manage resources and teaching information. This plugin limited the functionality of Wattle and was not appropriately maintained over time as Wattle was upgraded and began to deteriorate.
In particular, it was difficult to navigate and find appropriate resources, and required a significant amount of administrative labour and manual data entry to make it functional for students.
What was the solution?
This review identified several key areas for improvement and undertook the following work from 2016 – 2019:
Implementation of the Learning Content Management System (LCMS)
- In collaboration with ITS, the bespoke plugin was dis-established and a centrally-managed learning content management system (LCMS, or Alfresco) was procured and implemented to manage all student learning resources, providing a searchable database that is integrated with Wattle.
Redesign of Wattle sites
- Number of Wattle sites reduced from 127 to 5.
- Improvements to design, navigation, and clear channels of communication within the Wattle sites to ensure clarity and consistency for students.
- Ensuring the LMS is used primarily for teaching and learning purposes, with administrative functions being migrated to more appropriate platforms.
Using existing enterprise platforms to deliver teaching and learning
- Transition to Microsoft Outlook calendar for all student timetables.
- Transition to Microsoft OneNote class notebooks for all problem-based learning group work.
Establishment of a school-based educational design and technology team
- To ensure sustainable and ongoing development and support, it was recommended to recruit educational designers and technologists into the School. This has grown from one member (Kat Esteves) to the full TELT team you know today of 5 members.
Screenshots showing the improvements to the online learning environment.
Testimonials
The Team
The project team consisted of:
- A/Prof Alexandra Webb
- Lyndall Thorn
- Clara Ng
- Katie Freund
- Thao Tran
We’d like to acknowledge the significant contributions of these colleagues who have since moved on from ANU:
- Katherine Esteves
- Suzanne McKenzie
- Jill Lyall
- Crystal McLaughlin
Read more
Lyall, J., Freund, K., & Webb, A. (2017). Challenges and tensions in the role of the LMS for medical education: time for the “next generation LMS?” In H. Partridge, K. Davis, & J. Thomas. (Eds.), Me, Us, IT! Proceedings ASCILITE2017: 34th International Conference on Innovation, Practice and Research in the Use of Educational Technologies in Tertiary Education (pp. 304-311). Online: https://2017conference.ascilite.org/program/challenges-and-tensions-in-the-role-of-the-lms-for-medical-education-time-for-the-next-generation-lms/
Conference presentation: Jill Lyall at MoodleMoot 2016: “Rebirthing the ANU Medical School’s online learning space”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGP5MlB9J64
Conference presentation: Jill Lyall at iMoot17: “Re-working the ANU Medical School course sites”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG5VElbpG_k