LAMS

What do you like best?

LAMS is a great new tool that allows for greater online collaborative learning opportunities. Educators can create activities for individuals, small groups, or the entire class based on content or the desire for collaboration. The learning environment is synchronous which I feel keeps students accountable for being on time and keeping up with coursework and creates the "in-class" feeling while still being remote. In addition, the synchronous style of learning is also beneficial for those in a certification style program participating with co-workers. It is easy to carve out time within the work day for all to participate.

What do you dislike?

The software itself is no better and in some ways inferior to Blackboard Learn. LAMS is lacking many custom features that Blackboard is able to provide when it comes to course development. There are almost no administrative functions, and the software can only truly assess students with tests. The software is also not the best when it comes to integrating legacy grades and other software which would be essential for an adult learner population with on/off periods of attendance.

Recommendations to others considering the product:

LAMS is great for collaborative learning. I would recommend the software if you do not require a lot of customization or want the bare bones when it comes to online learning. This software would be particularly beneficial for math related courses where testing for assessment is common, or for an organization that is looking to provide certifications and has a synchronous learning environment.

What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?

We were looking to use LAMS to replace Blackboard for greater online collaboration and to develop a community for our distance learners. We have succeeded in this particular area with this software. We are also looking to expand to provide learners with certifications through employers. With the idea that this software is great for collaborative efforts and is synchronous in nature, it would work with with an organization that is looking to train all employees 1 - a few hours a week during business hours.