online learning@ECU

LAMS

LAMS Problem Solving

Problem:When clicking on a LAMS item, it does not load

If you are having problems with loading a LAMS item in your computer, it may well be one or a combination of events that are occuring.

• Java: LAMS runs on javascript and you may need to upgrade, see http://www.ecu.edu.au/OnlineLearning/article/java

• Browser: Highly recommended to use Firefox 3.5 (PC and MAC) or Internet Explorer 7 (PC).

• Pop-up Blocker settings in your Browser (Firefox, IE7)should have www.ecu.edu.au in the exceptions. (See your browsers "help" section to achieve this).

• If all the above is verified and loading still doesn't occur, your ISP may be below the standards to achieve the load process. Dial-up speed would be below the expected achievable outcome.

Can't See Your Units ?

Can't See Your  Units ?

Use "Modify Content" and "Modify Layout" tabs to add your units to the "MyECU Sites" Tab.

Under "Modify Content" you tick the box next to "My Units" and "My Units: Quick View" for them to appear under the "MyECU Sites" tab.

Use "Modify Layout" to switch the viewing of content from either left (First Column) or right ( Second Column) views.

Using the assignment tool in MyECU

Self and Peer assessments Guide

What is Self and Peer Assessment?With self assessment a student submits their assignment in Blackboard, and then, after the deadline, criteria are provided and the student evaluates their submission. Evaluation can involve assigning marks (which can be set up to allow for partial credit, or just right/wrong), and/or textual feedback.With peer assessment the process is the same, except that instead of evaluating their own assessment, students evaluate a given number (e.g. 3) of other students' submissions.

How do I create a peer/self assessment?Go to the control panel, click on the name of a content area (like "Course Documents"), then select "Self and Peer Assessment" from the drop-down menu on the top right and click on go.You then specify information for the assessment, including the deadline for submitting assessment, and the period during which peer and/or self assessment is to take place (which must start after the submission deadline).You then need to add questions and criteria. Click on Modify (in the row of the newly created assessment), and then on Assessment Canvas. Then click on the "+Question" (top left) to create a question. One a question has been created, you can modify the marking criteria for that question ("Criteria", then "+Criteria" top left).

How might I use it?There are various approaches and reasons for using self/peer assessment.One reason is to reduce staff workload by shifting marking to students. The literature on peer-assessment has a range of studies that compare peer-assigned and staff-assigned marks. The conclusions are variable: some studies show very high levels of agreement, others do not. Given some of the issues and additional work required to make peer-assessment work effectively (see below), it appears that using peer-assessment to reduce staff workload is not sensible.Where self and peer assessment make sense is in relation to lifelong learning. Peer assessment is an opportunity to develop critical thinking. Self assessment is an opportunity to develop the ability to reflect on one's progress, knowledge and skills. The combination can be particularly valuable: peer assessment can provide feedback that allows students to gradually "calibrate" their self-assessments.In deciding how to use self and/or peer assessment the following are some questions that should be considered:·         Will assessment be self, peer, or both? If peer, then how many peers will assess each submission? ·         Is the assessment used to aid learning (formative) or to assess whether learning occurred (summative)? ·         What is being assessed? An essay? Short questions? Is there a single assessment, or is peer/self assessment used repeatedly to provide regular feedback? ·         What marks are allocated? Are there marks for the assessment, for the peer reviews, for the self assessment, or for some combination? Are marks given based on the quality, or on participation? ·         What marking is done by staff? If there are significant marks and the assessment is summative, then staff marking becomes more important. On the other hand, if assessment has relatively limited marks and is formative, then staff marking may not be necessary (although it might be useful initially to give peer-assessors feedback).

 What pedagogical pitfalls do I need to watch out for?Assessing is a skill. Students need help to develop this skill. It is not reasonable (or effective) to just provide them with submissions and say "mark these". One possibility is to discuss sample submissions in lectures/tutorials to illustrate the assessment process and thinking: what is a good assessor looking for? Why do they assign marks? What makes a good submission?Clearly defined marking criteria are essential. One possibility (for small classes) is to develop these collaboratively with students. However, it is more likely that staff will develop criteria.Finally, it is a good idea to be explicit about aims and expectations: tell the students what you expect of them, explain why you are using peer/self-assessment, and discuss reflection and critical thinking, and their relationship to life-long learning.

What technical pitfalls do I need to watch out for?As is often the case with new features, there are some niggling issues. It is worth being aware of these, since these issues can be mitigated by being careful with how self and peer assessment is used. These issues are somewhat exacerbated by the nature of peer assessment: it's not possible to thoroughly test things without having multiple accounts.

Java How to update

First navigate in your browser to http://www.java.com/en/

At the time of writing this the recommended section to go to was http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp as this allowed you to know the recommended Version and update of Java and described the ways to update your particular operating systems ( Windows, Mac, and Linux)

Turnitin How To create an assignment