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Welcome to COLMSCT - Seeking Excellence in Open Learning

 

The Centre for Open Learning of Mathematics, Science, Computing and Technology is helping excellent teachers to develop effective and engaging open learning in mathematics science, computing and technology

The challenges are many. The home based student must be provided with rich and motivating experiences in subjects that are about the wonders of the natural world and technology. They must be helped to work together in spite of geographical separation. They must be supported in learning how to use complex tools and techniques.

A student reading on a bus

The Centre will harness academic creativity and new learning technologies in generating new responses to these long-standing challenges.

Open CETL

COLMSCT is part of the Open CETL, a collaboration of the four centres based at the Open University. It is not a formal organisation but a way of describing how we are working together to inspire each other, to achieve greater impact and increase efficiency.

More information

COLMSCT Conference Chat - CC Chat

CC Chat is the COLMSCT Conference blog which captures the Fellows' experiences, thought provoking ideas and reflections on recently attended conferences.

To access the blog please click the following link:- http://www.open.ac.uk/blogs/CCChat

COLMSCT publication 'learning landscapes' now available

In the pages of learning landscapes you can read how online decision-making is improving nurses’ treatment of their patients; how disabled students are being enabled to take part in geology field trips; how prisoners are being given the opportunity to turn their lives around through access to higher education; and how students of all types can simply talk to each other and their tutor and enjoy learning together. We’ve tried to give a flavour of the achievements of COLMSCT so far; we've also tried to show how we work with many partners across The University to achieve our goals.

To view the publication please see: http://www.open.ac.uk/colmsct/resources/details/detail.php?itemId=4ac5fdc53bd2a

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Highlights

An overview and review of the iCMA initiative
The interactive computer marked assessment (iCMA) initiative was conceived in 2005 on the premise that developing models of eAssessment had the potential to be used in a much wider role than had hitherto been possible. The initiative followed closely on, and has been enabled by, the 2005 upgrade to the university’s OpenMark CAA system. This upgrade had been built on modern internet technologies and provided a platform which was able to harness the full potential of a modern multimedia computer.
Use of the Virtual 3D Immersive Social World known as Second Life to investigate the use of eLearning techniques using virtual student tutorials, in order to facilitate the learning of topics in mathematics
One of the internet-based technologies which has become very prominent in recent times is that of 3-D Social Immersive Virtual Worlds (also known as social Multi-User Virtual Environments). Universities world wide are developing the facilities in these worlds, such as social networking and online collaboration tools, for eLearning and distance teaching purposes. The Open University has made an investment in Second Life and has bought land within the world called Cetlment Island.

Latest

COLMSCT Thematic Booklets now available
5th Nov 2009 These thematic booklets are designed to highlight the significant effects of COLMSCT over the last four years.
Open University's Vice-Chancellor to present in Second Life
2nd Nov 2009 We are very pleased to announce that Martin Bean will be giving a presentation inworld (live, using an avatar) on the 16th of December at 15:30.

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Events

Annual Conference: 4th Open CETL Conference: The CETLs: Celebrating Teaching and Learning, 15th and 16th December 2009
15th Dec 2009 Celebrating the CETLs successes and exploring ways in which the work of the four Centres can be carried forward and embedded into practice across the University

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Links for OU colleagues

The COLMSCT Fellows' workspace provides links to SIG WIKIs and Forums.

COLMSCT Fellows’ workspace