Bridging the Gap: Synchronous and Asychronous Library Services for Distance Learners
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Transcript of Bridging the Gap: Synchronous and Asychronous Library Services for Distance Learners
BRIDGING THE GAP:Synchronous and Asynchronous
Library Services for Distance Learners
Melissa McCushMarch 5, 2009
Norwich University
INTRODUCTION
ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services, Bill of Rights for the Distance Learning Community:• “Direct Human Access: Direct human access
must be made available to the distance learning community through instruction, interaction, and intervention from library personnel.”
AT ISSUE
Nature of distance education is asynchronous Nature of traditional library services is
synchronous How can we bridge the gap?
SYNCHRONOUSDistance Education Chat room services Videoconferencing
(Instructor-led) Virtual communities Voice tools
Traditional Library Services Instant messaging (Web-
based) In-person
reference/instruction One-on-one phone calls
New Library Services? Instant messaging (VOIP-
based) Videoconferencing
(librarian-led) Co-browsing
ASYCHRONOUSDistance Education Discussion boards Structured tasks Email Learning at one’s own
pace
Traditional Library Services Websites Blogs Email/Mail/Fax Research guides
New Library Services? Screencasts (Subject-
specific) Interactive online tutorials Embedding (in CMS)
SERVICE OPTIONS -SYNCHRONOUS Phone assistance In-person assistance Video conferencing
Co-browsing
Virtual assistance• Web-based IM• VOIP-based IM
In place Infeasible Feasible?• Skype - Ohio University
Feasible?• Morris Msgr - SIUC
Feasible • Meebo (In place)• Skype/Wimba
SERVICE OPTIONS – ASYNCHRONOUS Blogs Research guides Screencasts
Embedding
Interactive online tutorials
In place In place In place, plus• Subject- and resource-
specific needs Feasible?• Blackboard - CCV
Feasible• Flash/HTML• Video
SERVICE FOCUS FOR NORWICH
Synchronous• VOIP-Based IM
Asynchronous• Screencasts• Interactive online tutorials
VOIP-BASED IM
Available through Skype or Wimba Collaboration Suite
Skype• Speech and text• Videoconferencing
Wimba Classroom• Speech and text• Videoconferencing• Interactive environment
BENEFITS
Auditory clues present Eliminates long-distance calling Allows for group/class conferencing Accessible to persons with disabilities
SCREENCASTS
Increasingly widely-used technology• Library-created• Database vendor-created
Wide range of coverage• Introductory• Subject-specific• Resource-specific
BENEFITS
Creates immediacy between user and creator Adaptable to local, distance users Accessible to persons with disabilities System requirements often low Mountable on different devices Addresses multiple learning styles
INTERACTIVE ONLINE TUTORIALS
Large variety available Focus varies• Distance user needs• Information literacy• Search techniques
Engaging, interactive when not primarily text-based
BENEFITS
Replacement for face-to-face instruction Pace of instruction set by student Repeatable (not “one-shot”) Provides instant feedback Reduces uncertainty Structured (hierarchical, step-by-step)
ISSUES
System requirements Dial-up users Technical expertise Bandwidth Marketing Usability Instructor support
IMPLEMENTATION
Integration of new services into SGS gateway• Locally created tutorials • Screencasts of subject- and resource-specific
needs Establish Skype/Wimba Classroom hours
CONCLUSION
Utilize synchronous/asynchronous methods of delivery
Technology allows libraries to “bridge the gap”
Focus on extensibility and accessibility
SOURCES
ACRL. (2008, July 1). Standards for distance learning library services. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/standards/guidelinesdistancelearning.cfm.
Booth, C. (2008, Jan. 9). Reconstituting the video kiosk. Message posted to http://infomational.wordpress.com/.
Brumfield, E. (2008). Using online tutorials to reduce uncertainty in information seeking behavior. Journal of Library Administration, 48(3), 365-377.
Dewald, N., et al. (2000). Information literacy at a distance: Instructional design issues. Journal of Academic Librarianship, 26(1), 33-44.
Graves, S., & Desai, C. (2006). Instruction via chat reference: Does co-browse help?. Reference Services Review, 34(3), 340-357.
Matthew, V., & Schroeder, A. (2006). The embedded librarian program: Faculty and librarians partner to embed personalized library assistance into online courses. EDUCAUSE Quarterly, 29(4), 61-65.
Tucker-Raymond, C. (2005, Dec. 16). Is co-browsing dead? 3 out of 5 librarians agree. Message posted to http://www.oregonlibraries.net/staff/.