Macquarie University Library1 LAMS, e-learning & Information Literacy: possibilities & practicalities Margaret Wright, Macquarie University Heather Cooper, University of the Sunshine Coast

Macquarie University Library2 What is LAMS? LAMS is a new tool for designing, managing and delivering online collaborative learning activities. It provides teachers with a highly intuitive visual authoring environment for creating sequences of learning activities. These activities can include a range of individual tasks, small group work and whole class activities based on both content and collaboration. Source:

Macquarie University Library3 LAMS also… Purpose built for online teaching Supports student-centered learning Enables sustainability through sharing and reuse of sequences of learning activities Provides strong support & ongoing product development

Macquarie University Library4 Teaching Information Skills in EDUC261 Previous practice and outcomes Practice –Teacher-centered approach - focused on covering content & practicing skills Outcomes –Limited opportunity for student collaboration –Low levels of student contribution in class <15% –Limited student engagement in the learning process

Macquarie University Library5 Our objectives in using LAMS 1.Explore the potential of LAMS as a tool to teach information skills 2.Assess the implications for libraries and librarians in using LAMS

Macquarie University Library6 EDUC261 LAMS tutorial Aim That students build a collective knowledge and understanding of the planning phase of the research process

Macquarie University Library7 Designing the LAMS sequence Objective Develop a sequence that encouraged students to use higher order learning processes and engage in “deep learning” Supported by learning activities that: ensured active participation and student engagement facilitated collaboration developed critical analysis, critical thinking and reflection Supported by assessment activities that: were relevant to the learning

Macquarie University Library8 LAMS sequence design – author view

Macquarie University Library9 Monitoring student progress

Macquarie University Library10 Student evaluations Collaborative activities …loved the forum activity where people gave opinions and it gave me definite/crucial point of view on how to do research… The most useful thing I guess was that this is a good way to actually learn, you view info and are able to discuss your view with others… I

Macquarie University Library11 Student evaluations Instructions For most students the instructions were clear and well structured The instructions overall were clear and well structured. The activities were good especially the outside sources such as the encyclopedia A few students indicated that they were a little bit lost at times …it took me (for) a while to understand (the) what the sequence is all about.

Macquarie University Library12 Student evaluations Timing and content Many students commented that the content was just right Overall it was a good, clear lesson, without any redundant or irrelevant information given. I appreciated the ability of the sequence to actually give you appropriate skill without immersing you in “nice to know” information – it “cuts to the chase”. A few disagreed …the amount of info to digest is too much in the space of 1 hour.

Macquarie University Library13 Student evaluations Accessibility A number of students commented on accessibility Most meaningful thing I learned was the importance of accessibility for all students – ie the encyclopedia site was frustrating and caused a block in the middle of the learning/research process. Other things were forgotten and the focus became jus(t) getting into the site.

Macquarie University Library14 Outcomes Despite the fact that some students did not have a good grasp of LAMS and were at different phases of their learning the sequence achieved the objective of engaging them in building a collective knowledge What we were trying to achieve was difficult but was a success in that students were able to participate in each step of the sequence

Macquarie University Library15 Critical elements to success Ability to navigate LAMS effectively Aims & objectives linked to curriculum outcomes Clear & explicit aims & objectives Clear & explicit instructions Descriptive sequence titles to enable navigation Uninterrupted access to external resources Appropriate use of colours and fonts Appropriate match of tool & activity Effective sequencing of activities

Macquarie University Library16 Conclusions LAMS design and flexibility: supports embedding Information Literacy into the context of the learning experience facilitates student engagement enables a sustainable IL solution

Macquarie University Library17 Implications for libraries and librarians New skill sets for librarians LAMS program Learning design - principles and practice New ways of working Partnerships and collaboration Resourcing Training and development Staffing Library resources and LAMS Adaptability and Compatibility

Macquarie University Library18 Final thoughts Limited research has been undertaken by the library community into the use of LAMS to teach Information Skills Further research and testing of LAMS is required to determine its full potential and application in teaching Information Skills

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