Fall 2006 Implementation a.k.a Roll-out: Communication Strategy and Goals

Note: Revised schedule says that we are expanding the pilot program to
more faculty this fall and are NOT doing a full roll-out.

Gradually introduce the new online collaboration and learning system to UC Davis faculty, students, staff, and other affiliates. (The campus is moving forward with the 'enterprise version' of Sakai.)
Focus initially on three areas: a) existing users of the MyUCDavis CMS, b) small classes, and c) support for multi-level research and collaboration among students, instructors, and other academic partners.
Position the system in support of pedagogy, research, and collaboration needs.
Diversify the communication approach to include a variety of partners, enablers, and communication tactics.
Draw on pilots and other campuses' implementations to illustrate the system's easy-to-use features and potential uses.
Launch first major phase of communications in Spring 2006; target support groups in summer; launch second major phase in preparation for Fall 2006. Ongoing communications thereafter.

Key Communication Messages

Fall communications will build on, and support, the strategic goals for the implementation of Sakai. Key messages will emphasize the following:

Functionality now provided through the MyUCDavis course management tools will be part of the new system, and new features will be introduced. Like MyUCDavis, but richer and more flexible.
Ease of use and stability.
Integration with major campus systems and data sources.
Need for a change in pedagogy towards inquiry and collaboration. This is an opportunity for faculty to change how they conceive their teaching - much more as a process of inquiry and less purely as a means of information dissemination.
Availability of training program and support resources to ease faculty adoption of the new system (before, during, and after Fall 2006).
Benefits of transitioning from other cm systems (MyUCDavis, homegrown, etc.).
Focus on WIIFM (What's in it for me?). Includes specific concrete examples of how the tools can be used in support of teaching, learning, collaboration, and research; user-friendly descriptions and explanations for new tools and their functionality.
Both MyUCDavis and the new system will run concurrently for at least a full academic year to allow faculty ample time to familiarize themselves with the new system and to make the transition.