Interested in teaching and learning?
Like to trial a new e-learning tool?
Like to try LAMS?
The Learning Activity Management System (LAMS) is an authoring and delivery system designed to support collaborative, ‘activity-driven’ learning. It is a new e-learning tool which many users find takes the focus off the technology and places it on the teaching and learning. It also provides opportunities for students to take control of their learning and participate in the generation of new knowledge together.
LAMS is an easy tool for staff to use. It can be used in tutorials, for independent learning situations, for distance students and in any ‘blended’ tutorial or workshop situation where students need to discuss ideas together and undertake activities with others, or independently.
LAMS is open source e-learning software being developed at Macquarie. Because it is open source software this means there are no licence fees, and the software can be developed and shaped according to the needs of users – staff and students.
It is expected that it will be an important tool for improving generic skills such as critical thinking skills.
The early research trials held at Macquarie and in the UK indicate that LAMS is an effective tool for supporting group work and encouraging student participation and engagement.
LAMS is easy for students and staff to use and has low technical requirements. It is an easy tool to incorporate into many different teaching and learning contexts.
LAMS can be used on its own as a tool for online learning, for tutorials or with distance students.
It can be used to complement WebCT. LAMS “sequences of activities” can supplement work and resources set up in WebCT.
The ‘LAMS @ Macquarie University Implementation Project’ is being established to promote and support the educationally sound use of LAMS at Macquarie. It has been funded through the Vice-Chancellor’s development fund for 12 months from July 2005 to June 2006.
During the project LAMS will be integrated into the Macquarie University Online Teaching Facility (MUOTF) and linked to the Student Information System, along with WebCT, iLecture etc.
There will be an education and staff support program to help staff learn about the new software and implement it in their teaching if they find it meets their needs.
Staff are encouraged to work with MELCOE and CFL staff to trial LAMS with their students. MELCOE (the Macquarie E-Learning Centre Of Excellence) is leading the trials through 2005 - 2006, in conjunction with the Centre for Flexible Learning (CFL). CFL will eventually be the central place for support of the use of LAMS at Macquarie in the future.
Some staff may like to consider applying through the University Teaching Development Grants for assistance in developing a well integrated plan for the use of LAMS. The Centre for Professional Development (CPD) and CFL can provide support in developing grant proposals.
Evaluation of the use of LAMS will be an important part of the project. Feedback from staff will help assess the impact of LAMS on student learning and teaching at Macquarie.
Participation in the LAMS project at Macquarie will provide an opportunity for staff to initiate the development of e-learning tools that really meet their needs.
The project will be led by the Macquarie E-Learning Centre Of Excellence (MELCOE) with support from the Centre for Flexible Learning (CFL). Other University Centres and the Colleges will be consulted for their input into the project. A steering committee with University wide representation will be established to ensure that the needs of the whole University community are considered during the project.
If you are interested in trialling LAMS, or would like to see a demonstration of what it can do, you should contact any of the following staff to hear about the project and register your interest.
James Dalziel
Director, MELCOE
jdalziel@melcoe.mq.edu.au
Ph: 9850 7522