Nevada Learning Network (NLN)
The mission of the NLN is to enhance the educational process for all members through collaboration and the effective management and sharing of information technology resources.
The consortium includes Nevada State College, Henderson and University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
NLN Function
The NLN was created to provide services related to technology-mediated instruction. Initial services included:
- Purchase, implement, and support a course management system utilized by all member institutions
- Provide benefits of membership to interested Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) institutions
Membership
- Lori Temple, Chair of the Committee & Vice Provost, Information Technology
- Don Diener, Associate Provost, Information Technology
- Wonda Riner, e-Learning Coordinator, Office of Information Technology
- Brian Chongtai, Director, Information Technology, Nevada State College
- Kathryn Mulvey, Systems Analyst, Nevada State College
Staff
- Jo-Anne Lancellotti, Executive Program Manager, Office of Information Technology
Affiliated Groups
- NLN Core Administration
Accomplishments
- Developed cost structure and consortium savings for participating institutions
- Finalized a “Memorandum of Understanding” to formalize the consortium
- Hired consortium staff (2.5 FTE)
- Consortium members shared training materials developed at member institutions
- Wrote “How to Join the Consortium” to promote the benefits of membership
- Created a consortium web site: nln.nevada.edu
- Secured Board of Regents’ approval of NLN as a new NSHE unit/center
- Consortium members presented at EDUCAUSE conference
- Offered 2,702 course sections across member institutions, including pilot in Spring and Summer and full implementation in Fall
Agenda Topics
- Examine possibility of and rate structure for non-academic units utilizing benefits of the consortium, perhaps as an “a la carte” system where users would pay for specific services (e.g., help desk support, course design, etc.)
- Continue collaboration with member institution Disability Resource Centers to redesign facets of the applications that present obstacles to persons with special needs
- Prepare for the removal of WebCT Campus Edition at the end of January 2007
- Collaborate with Presidium, a vendor providing 24/7 WebCT support for students and faculty
- Consider presenting a proposal for next Blackboard conference
- Resolve WebCT/Blackboard member issues
