Building IT capabilities to deploy large-scale synchronous online technology in teaching and learning

Abstract

Through the use of a case study methodology, this paper presents a case of a large scale implementation of a synchronous teaching technology called Blackboard Collaborate by the School of Science and Technology (SST) in SIM University, Singapore. The technology Blackboard Collaborate is being used in SST to replace the typical “face-to-face” tutorial class experience of its students across 10 undergraduate degree programmes in 131 courses (or modules). This study aims to answer two research questions: (1) What are the IT capabilities that are needed to ensure the effective use of the synchronous online technology in a University’s teaching and learning environment? and (2) How can these IT capabilities be developed within a University? It will present a theoretical model of what key IT capabilities a University needs in order to support the large scale deployment of a synchronous online technology like Black-board Collaborate.