Ringing the Changes

Reflections on delivering an information literacy module

Ann Craig

a.craig@worc.ac.uk

Context

• University of Worcester

• Student profile:

8000 students 60% mature students Non-traditional entrants

and part-time

Development of UMSC1500

• Title: Managing and Communicating Information Using IT

• Staffing: experienced Library and IT staff• Interwoven themes:

Information literacy Effective use of IT Evaluation of information sources, strategies and

personal performance

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of software packages and use at least two to communicate effectively

• Reflect on the process of developing information management and communication skills

• Compare and contrast the nature of a range of information types

• Demonstrate an ability to locate information using a range of search tools

• Critically evaluate (with structured tutor support) the quality of information sources

Delivery and Assessment

• Use of Blackboard: for discussion and activities• Opportunities for students to develop critical and

reflective skills• 3 Assessments:

Production of PowerPoint presentation based on a research task

Oral presentation Evaluative report of the research process

• Informal assessments e.g. pre & post-test plagiarism test

Changes

• Based on: Staff observations: changes in student profile

• Removed most basic IT sessions• Delivered in Semester 1 only

Students’ evaluations:• Introduction of oral presentation

Staff development:• Assessment of learning styles• More interactivity: peer teaching

Changes

• UMSC1501: September 2004 Opportunity for students to study at a time and place

to suit them Similar learning outcomes and assessments

• Reflection on process of online learning Similar content but different programme Students were expected to have a higher base level

of computer skills Convergence of both modules

Benefits

• Full participation in academic process• Getting to know the students• Staff development

Team teaching Developing online activities and materials

• Reuse of materials in embedded information literacy programmes

• Modules are valued within the University

Benefits to students

• Word of mouth recommendationI have enjoyed this module and it has given me

more confidence…

I found that the module

overlapped and repeated another of my modules…

I would recommend it as an automatic

foundation module for all!... It has to be a

MUST for any mature student starting out.

Challenges

• Staff intensive: particularly assessment• Meeting needs of students with poor computer

skills• Meeting needs of students with high level

computer skills• Extending provision: embedding modules within

academic programmes• Avoiding repetition

Future: SMILE

• Study Methods and Information Literacy Exemplars

• Joint project with Imperial College and University of Loughborough

• JISC RePRODUCE project• Builds on OLIVIA programme• Includes writing skills• Will be available to the academic community via

JORUM

Summary

• Meeting the needs of the students? Assessments and evaluations Need to measure the long term impact on students Balance between embedded programmes and stand

alone modules

• And staff? Develops understanding of the learning and teaching

process