Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Project i-literacy:

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Nina Heinze

ECEL 08 l Agia Napa, Cyprus

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

The imb survey: Results

• 99% of students have their own laptop• 95% use it to go on the Internet• 100% use E-mail• 84% see search engines to be useful for

their studies• 82% use search engines before other

sources for scientific inquiry

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

The imb survey: Results

• 48% prefer the Internet over the library• 60% cannot solve Internet-based

assignments correctly• Over 50% are not familiar with advanced

tools on the Internet

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

The imb survey: Conclusion

Competencies of the „new students“ need to be developed that:

• Make the integration of new technologies meaningful• Make it possible for students to master the flood of information• Alleviate deficits• Allow competencies to develop and evolve• Allow competencies to be transfered into the area of higher

education• Fosters learning in regards to employability

Information literacy

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Information literacy

“Recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed

information" (ACRL, 2000)

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Information literacy and higher education

The integration of information literacy into the formal curriculum has become more important due to emerging technologies, knowledge society, employability, and every day culture.

Suggestions:

• Mandatory courses to lay basis for working with information• E-Learning environments that allow self-directed learning• Gradual mediation of competencies• Subject-oriented topics to communicate competencies• Support through experts when needed

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Course-related approach at the imb:the Project i-literacy

Partners: - Medialab of the University of Augsburg- Library of the University of Augsburg- Study programm „Media and Cummunication“

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Overview Project i-literacy

Goals:

• Foster information literacy as interdisciplinary learning goal

• Support the process of scientifically working with information under consideration of emerging technologies

• Orientation on the changing learning and information needs of students

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Overview Project i-literacy

Unique features:

• Developement of concept after broad needs and demand analysis

• Student-tailored adaptation of services • Flexibility and adaptability through „Project Group i-

literacy“

Information literacy does not remain an academic end in itself

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Overview Project i-literacy

Phase I Phase II Phase III Phase IV Phase V

Virtual learning environment (online tutorials, screencasts, video interviews, checklists...)

Introductory courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods

Advanced courses (e.g. scientific theory, research practicum)

PropadeuticumIntroductory

tutorialB.A.-Colloquium

Advanced tutorial

M.A.-Colloquium

Extra-curricular courses (workshops, project groups)

On-demand consultation and learning partnerships (BA / MA)

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Design considerations

Design of E-Learning environments must focus on three distinct areas:

• Habitualized methods of learning• Practical problem-solving scenarios• Varying levels of competence

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Virtual learning environment: prototype

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Virtual learning environment: prototype

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Virtual learning environment: prototype

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Virtual learning environment: prototype

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Virtual learning environment: prototype

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Prospects

„The ultimate test of what is learned isthe ability to exploit the knowldegeto formulate and solve problems ofa practical as well as an academic nature.“

(Wells, Chang, Maher, 1990, 103)

Developing Information Literacy Skills by Using E-Learning Environments in Higher Education

Thank you for your attention!

nina.heinze@its.uni-augsburg.de