Factors in the deployment of a learning management system at the University of the South Pacific

Abstract

This paper describes how a new Learning Management System (LMS) was introduced into the University of the South Pacific with the aim of improving teaching and learning. The development process from test and selection of the platform through to project planning, gathering of political support within the institution, technical factors, the design and roll out of training, the impact and consequences, the growth and future prospects of the platform are discussed, with a focus on the university’s redesigned online law program. The paper concludes with the main lessons learned, emphasising the point that the process was characterised by a lack of a formal process or deployment model per se.