SLN Campus Response FAQ
SLN has developed a series of Frequently Asked Questions to address questions campuses have raised.
General Questions | Pedagogy | Usability & Accessability | Support | Migration | Project Management | Other Scenarios View Entire FAQ
GENERAL QUESTIONS
If Learning Management Systems (LMS) essentially provide the same features, what are the distinguishing benefits that this candidate solution will provide? What are the benefits of SLN creating a system based on Open Standards? What will it be like working in Open Source communities? Couldn’t we use the Open Source philosophy with a commercial product Shouldn’t SUNY be large enough to influence pricing and development of a commercial product? Is the open source model cost effective? Will the Open Source SLN2.0 model allow the import of courses using commercial course management systems such as Blackboard? How much effort will be involved in migration of courses? Will the Open Source SLN2.0 model allow the import of commercial content from vendors and publishers? What are the benefits of a portal infrastructure?
PEDAGOGY How will SLN2.0 maintain the essential pedagogical qualities of SLN1.0 that sets it apart from a commercial LMS?
USABILITY AND ACCESSIBILITY Most recent research supports the efficacy of a user-centric experience in online learning. How will you ensure a user-centric experience and meet accessibility standards?
SUPPORT How will SLN meet campus needs on SLN1.0 during development of SLN2.0? If the design differs significantly from SLN1.0, extensive retraining will be required. How will Learning Environments facilitate this? What will be done to ensure the SLN1.0 will perform adequately enough to meet our needs (system response time, bug fixes, help desk support, etc.) while awaiting the release of SLN2.0? How long will SLN1.0 be supported during the SLN2.0 implementation process? Is there a set shutdown date being considered? Can SLN1.0 be sustained that length of time?
MIGRATION How seamless will the transition be from SLN1.0 to SLN2.0?? How close will the look and feel of SLN2.0 be to SLN1.0? PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The SLN Technology plan indicates SLN will be using one or more vendors to integrate several Open Source or Open Standards components that will become SLN2.0. How will SLN manage this? What are the key milestones for this project?
How will staff be retrained on the new system? What is really meant by the concept of “parallel development tracks? Is the project feasible in the timeline proposed?
What is the contingency plan if the timeline is extended?
What functionality is expected in the first production release for Fall 2007?
One of the features that has made SLN unique is the ability to work offline. When will SLN2.0 be able to provide this?
GOVERNANCE
Will SLN’s governance structure change as SLN2.0 is implemented?
What process will be used to ensure input and participation from current SLN campuses?
How will the campus cost share structure change? What are the financial implications of SLN’s changes to current SLN campuses? Will the current combined SLN/CourseSpace pricing model remain until the release of SLN2.0? When will the new price model be implemented? What are the personnel resources committed to this project?
OTHER SCENARIOS AND QUESTIONS For campuses using commercial learning management systems, could Learning Environments negotiate a more favorable contract for campuses that participate? For campuses using Open Source programs, will Learning Environments also sustain a user community? Can SLN de-bundle the typical functions of a learning management system and offer them to campuses independent of the SLN technology package?
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