Information Technology and Teaching
Information Technology and Teaching
Information literacy is best learned when embedded within the context of disciplinary coursework. The ULS offers an expanding program utilizing technology to support instructors and departments in integrating information seeking skills within curriculum and at the programmatic level.
Information Literacy Tutorials
The ULS has developed several learning object tutorials designed to teach individual information seeking skills. Learning objects are online instructional components, delivered via the World Wide Web, that can be reused a number of times in different learning contexts. The driving idea behind learning objects is to break large portions of learning down into smaller, more easily comprehended chunks.
Each ULS tutorial introduces and teaches an information seeking concept or skill. Interactive quizzes within the tutorials allow the viewer to apply and reinforce this new skill, and allow instructors the opportunity to use the tutorial as a graded exercise or assignment. The tutorials can be linked into CourseWeb individually, or be directly accessed by URL via the Web. Future tutorial development might include creating tutorials for professional schools and specific disciplines, modified to reflect professional standards or competencies.
The ULS will collect feedback on each tutorial and will use this information to improve the tutorials and general instructional services. While the ULS does not provide analysis of the data, ULS library instructors are available to discuss tutorial results and suggest ways to integrate information literacy into individual courses.
In order to view and use these tutorials, users must have Internet access and Adobe Shockwave Player 7 or later installed on their computer. Shockwave Player software can be freely downloaded at: http://www.adobe.com/downloads. The tutorials are best when viewed using speakers or headphones.
The following tutorials are currently available:
- Avoiding Plagiarism
Avoiding Plagiarism presents the concept of plagiarism and ways to avoid inadvertent plagiarism.
- Keyword Searching
Keyword searching basics and how to select appropriate keywords for searching are covered.
- Using Databases
This tutorial discusses the value of article databases and basic database searching techniques.
- Scholarly Information
An introduction to identifying scholarly or peer reviewed literature.
- Developing a Research Topic
How to get started with a research paper.
Surfing the Cyber Library (Evaluating Web Information)
Surfing the Cyber Library was created to introduce students to the basics of evaluating information found on the Web. This interactive tutorial site covers such topics as using search engines, steps in evaluating Web information, and correctly citing Web information. The exercises integrated into the site are designed to reinforce content, and are not equipped to gather individual or group data.
CourseWeb based Disciplinary Modules
Along with individual tutorials, the ULS is ready to partner with instructors and programs to develop course-integrated CourseWeb modules and customized instruction targeted at addressing disciplinary or professional information seeking competencies.
During the 2005-2006 academic year, ULS librarians at the Bevier Engineering Library worked closely with the faculty in the Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering departments to develop training materials and CourseWeb based delivery mechanisms to teach information fluency skills in two undergraduate courses in the Swanson School Of Engineering in preparation for the Engineering school’s ABET Engineering Program Accreditation. The instructional module presented several lessons designed to address both national ACRL and ABET information literacy competency standards. At the conclusion of each lesson, a multi-question quiz would test the student’s comprehension of the lesson. Instructors could access quiz scores to monitor student achievement. Along with the CourseWeb module, librarians taught targeted information literacy classes to support student learning. Finally, the SAILS test was used in a pre-treatment and post-treatment method to assess student comprehension and application of course material. Student surveys and assessment results indicated this integrated approach helped students gain a better understanding of engineering literature and library research methods. Using assessment data, the modules and library instruction program will be revised and expanded for upcoming fall implementation.
The ULS offers to collaborate with departments or programs to develop an integrated information literacy program tailored to the unique disciplinary and professional competencies of program. For more information, please contact Marian Hampton at hamptonm@pitt.edu or at 412-648-7770.