VCU CTE - Learning Online Network – Computer Assisted Personalized Approach (LON-CAPA)

Originally developed at Michigan State University, the Learning Online Network – Computer Assisted Personalized Approach (LON-CAPA) is an open-source learning content management and assessment system. LON-CAPA functions as a distributed network system which permits the sharing of assessment items and learning objects both within and among participating institutions. LON-CAPA is widely used by faculty members in the sciences and mathematics because of its ability to author sophisticated problem types, from which highly randomizable homework assignment, quizzes and exams can be created and graded. More information about LON-CAPA can be found here: http://www.loncapa.org/index.html

Some potentially valuable instructional uses of LON-CAPA in higher education include:

Randomized homework assignments (every student receives a unique set of problems)

Multiple opportunities for practice and feedback

Automatic grading of assignments

Sharing and reusing of content within and among institutions

Embedded opportunities for student discussion around individual problems

Access to rich data providing detailed overviews of student performance.

The CTE offers consultation to individuals or small groups of faculty interested in learning more about how to use LON-CAPA to support teaching and learning in their courses. For more information please contact Jeff Nugent at the CTE (jsnugent@vcu.edu).