Case Study 4 - Use of LauLima to Provide System Help Functionality
Note that all of the LauLima Case Studies have been written based on the HEFCE 'Effective Practice with e-Learning' Template. (© HEFCE 2004).
Institution Name
The University of Strathclyde
Background
LauLima was deployed by a computer officer in an academic department at the university where there was interest in the use of a wiki system to act as a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) repository for students and staff users of a university system throughout the campus.
Intended Outcomes
The objective was to investigate whether LauLima would be suitably flexible to provide functionality for the FAQ system required to support staff and student users of the university system.
The Challenge
To provide a flexible and easy to use system for providing user help. The help functionality is required to be dynamic; able to be quickly updated and enhanced by contributions from multiple sources.
Established Practice
Previous practice would involve using static web pages or a paper based manual for users.
The e-learning Advantage
The LauLima system had a number of advantages in this particular instance over other potential pieces of software. In application, the LauLima system had a tried and tested permissions system that allowed very granular control over access and modification of the site. It also had an extensive range of functionality - far in excess of the original needs of the installer, allowing a high degree of flexibility for changing user requirements and allowing the end users of the system to be provided with information in a customised manner. Another important consideration was that the installation was available as source code allowing further customisation, and a developer was on hand to help understand the mechanism that the software used.
Key Points for Effective Practice
Ensure that detailed instructions are available and that they are followed correctly. Ensure that support is readily available - from the system developer/provider, from documentation, user forums and so on. New users, despite technical competence, are by definition not familiar with the software and can require a high level of instruction.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The system was successfully deployed. It has been customised to provide basic wiki support, and in addition has been further modified to evaluate its suitability for delivering information to hand held devices (which it is successfully doing).
Additional Information
This case study represents use of the LauLima system to provide help functionality for a staff and student system at the University of Strathclyde. Please see our website to view other case studies related to the use of LauLima for teaching and learning and to support research, or for further information on the DIDET Project.
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