Holland College’s new learning management system, SAM, will enable online access to a broad spectrum of curriculum, services, and information for students and staff throughout the college, allowing for a more accommodating learning environment, Dr. Audrey Penner, Director, Adult Education, Learner Support and Applied Research recently announced.

"SAM offers students and staff full engagement in the knowledge economy through both blended and distance learning. This allows more flexibility in program delivery to meet student needs," Dr. Penner said.

SAM stands for Student Achievement Manager and provides a communication platform for students to access information pertaining to their programs such as course outlines, assignments, learning activities, tests, and grades. Additionally, students will be able to share information and track activities scheduled through the student services and athletics department.

The system will be easy for faculty to use to update course content, monitor students’ assignments, and deliver information to their students in a timely manner. They will also be able to share information with their colleagues across the globe—faculty at the college’s partner schools in China will be able to share curriculum development with faculty on P.E.I.

Migrating information and adding new program information into SAM is no small task. Project Manager Howard Beattie estimates that 100 courses will be delivered in whole or in part using SAM in the upcoming academic year, and 25 community groups will be formed for students, instructors and staff.

In this picture: Students were invited to submit designs for a logo for SAM, Holland College?s new learning management system. Faye Cousins, who has since graduated from the Graphic Design program, submitted the winning design.