vUWS Management and Support

The Teaching Development Unit centrally manages the enterprise wide e-learning system at UWS. The e-learning system consists of Blackboard Campus Edition and integrated e-learning technologies. This environment is known as 'virtual UWS' or vUWS to students and staff.

In 2010, the number of units which offered a vUWS presence grew from 93% to 100%. Tracking data shows that students regularly (from a few times a week to more than once a day) use vUWS to access course and unit information, online readings and other relevant material, participate in discussions, take quizzes for self or formal assessment purposes and track their own progress and grades.

From 2011, the e-learning system will be upgraded from Blackboard Campus Edition to Blackboard Learn 9. For more information about this upgrade visit our Projects page. 

UWS students (in recent Student Satisfaction Surveys) have consistently rated their experience with the e-learning system as both high performance and high importance.

Implementation of the Basic Standards for E-Learning Sites

To improve the quality and standard of all e-learning sites, TDU are implementing the Basic Standards for E-Learning Sites. The implementation process is School based, requires Head of School sponsorship and relies on a range of implementation strategies, including information sessions, program workshops, small group meetings and follow-up evaluation of sites. TDU are conducting surveys of all vUWS sites to measure success in implementation of the Basic Standards.

Improving Quality in e-Learning

In 2010, all vUWS sites were reviewed for consistency with the Basic Standards for E-Learning Sites. These reviews of sites show significant increases in consistency.

View the full report on the Implementation of Basic Standards (opens in a new window).

E-Learning Service Desk

Students and staff are supported in their use of the e-learning environment by an E-Learning Service Desk in the Teaching Development Unit. During 2010, more than 9,490 enquiries were received by the Service Desk. Over 5,900 enquiries were from staff and more than 3,560 were from students. This service continues to be rated highly by students in the Student Satisfaction Surveys. The E-Learning Service Desk can be reached on 02 9852 5252 or vuws@uws.edu.au.

Teaching Development

The Teaching Development Unit facilitates a range of e-learning teaching development activities in blended and fully online modes. UWS staff can register for workshops, clinics and webinars through MyCareer Online (opens in a new window).