ABSTRACT
Information Technology Like it or not, information technology is a central part of the operation of any course within a university whether it is a traditional non-modular and non-creditbased institution or at some point along the CBMS continuum. The sheer weight of student numbers usually necessitates some form of IT operation and of course the requirements of the university or outside bodies usually reinforce that need. CBMS is no different. However, the further along the CBMS continuum one moves the more complex the nature of the teaching and learning framework and the more important the need for IT, as previous chapters have shown. There are a number of key applications for IT, some or all of which are used by universities to operate their CBMS frameworks. There are some key input factors which are common to all institutions. For example, the identification of a student on a particular award. There are key output factors used by all institutions, such as linking that student with a particular award (e.g. BSc(Hons) Biology). However, CBMS institutions more often than not have to take the IT processes several stages further if they are to provide the flexibility they set out to offer students and staff.
