Blackboard TLCANZ19 Interview with Emma Page - Southern Institute of Technology

Summary

Southern Institute of Technology (SIT), based in Invercargill, New Zealand, has been using Blackboard Ultra to enhance its learning management system (LMS). With campuses across New Zealand and over 14,000 students, SIT chose Ultra to support continuous development and create a more streamlined, engaging learning experience for both on-site and distance learners. The implementation process was carefully planned, focusing on minimizing distractions and maximizing course interactivity. Moving forward, SIT aims to expand Ultra across all its programs, integrating more tools like Collaborate for interactive learning and thesis defenses.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is located in Invercargill, New Zealand, and has campuses across the country including in Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, Gore, and Telford.
• 😀 SIT serves approximately 14,000 students, with around 1,000 international students and 5,500 distance learners.
• 😀 The institute offers vocational qualifications, diplomas, degree programs, and postgraduate courses.
• 😀 SIT has been partnered with Blackboard for several years, starting with the Original version and currently migrating to Blackboard Ultra.
• 😀 The decision to switch to Blackboard Ultra was made to ensure the learning management system (LMS) grows alongside SIT and continues to offer continuous development.
• 😀 The goal of adopting Blackboard Ultra is to enhance the student learning experience, minimize distractions, and keep the platform sleek and focused on learning.
• 😀 SIT uses Ultra in all newly created courses, including both on-site and distance learning programs.
• 😀 A dedicated digital learning project team at SIT is converting existing online courses into Blackboard Ultra and aiming to make learning more interactive and engaging.
• 😀 The implementation of Blackboard Ultra at SIT involved careful planning, with the application support team mapping out a detailed roadmap and assessing how the new system would impact various courses.
• 😀 SIT recommends other institutions take a gradual approach to implementing Blackboard Ultra, ensuring staff have enough time to learn and engage with the platform effectively.
• 😀 Moving forward, SIT plans to roll out more Blackboard Ultra courses for distance learners and degree-level programs, with further integration of tools like Collaborate for more interactive learning experiences.

Q & A

What is the Southern Institute of Technology's (SIT) location and student population?

The Southern Institute of Technology is based in Invercargill, located at the very bottom of the South Island in New Zealand. The institution has approximately 14,000 students, including around 1,000 international students and 5,500 distance learners.

Why did SIT choose to migrate to Blackboard Ultra?

SIT chose to migrate to Blackboard Ultra because they were looking for an LMS that would grow alongside the institution. They wanted a system with continuous development that would enhance the learning experience, providing a sleek interface that minimizes distractions and keeps students focused on their learning.

How did SIT approach the implementation of Blackboard Ultra?

SIT's implementation of Blackboard Ultra was well-planned. The application support team created a roadmap, taking into account possible restrictions, available tools, and the impact on existing courses. They initially migrated new courses and then gradually brought in other courses over time.

What types of courses are being migrated to Blackboard Ultra at SIT?

SIT has begun using Blackboard Ultra for all new courses, both on-site and distance courses. They are also in the process of migrating existing online courses to the Ultra platform through a dedicated digital learning project team.

What advice does SIT offer to other institutions considering Blackboard Ultra?

SIT advises other institutions to pilot the platform gradually, ensuring that staff have enough time to learn how it works and feel confident engaging with the system. They recommend taking a slow and careful approach while recognizing that Ultra is a growing platform.

How does Blackboard Ultra support SIT’s goal of enhancing student engagement?

Blackboard Ultra’s modern and user-friendly interface is designed to minimize distractions, allowing students to focus more on their learning. The system also offers interactive features and tools that make learning more engaging, helping to improve the overall student experience.

What role does Blackboard Collaborate play at SIT?

SIT uses Blackboard Collaborate to facilitate online learning, including degree-level courses and dissertation defenses. They plan to integrate Collaborate further, such as using it for master's dissertation defenses, where students’ video recordings can be uploaded directly to the gradebook.

What challenges did SIT encounter during the migration to Blackboard Ultra?

One of the challenges SIT faced was planning the migration process carefully to ensure a smooth transition. This involved assessing which courses would seamlessly move to Ultra and which would need more time for adaptation. Additionally, the changes in tools and features required thorough training and adaptation for staff.

What are SIT’s future plans regarding Blackboard Ultra?

SIT plans to continue rolling out Blackboard Ultra across all courses, particularly expanding its use to include degree-level papers. The institution’s digital learning project team will keep converting online courses to Ultra, making the most of its interactive and engaging tools.

How does SIT’s partnership with Blackboard enhance their use of the Ultra platform?

SIT works closely with their Blackboard Account Executive and product managers to ensure they make the most of the Ultra platform. This partnership has been key in helping SIT implement the system smoothly and keep track of its evolving features, ensuring it meets the needs of both staff and students.