1. Stephen M. Koplan, M.Ln., Ph.D, Associate Professor, Georgia Perimeter College. He is the Program Coordinator of the Library & Information Science Technology Program (AKA LIST) and part of his job is to deliver online education. LIST Todd Prusin, MSLS, Health Sciences Librarian, Georgia State University. He is the subject specialist librarian for the School of Nursing. Twice a year he gives a week’s worth of online bibliographic instruction to Masters students as a part of their new student orientation. How Online Education is the Best of a Bad Situation and Fosters the Transfer of an Inferior Product

2. We are going to highlight three different types of online interactions that are designed to result in the transfer of scholarly information. 1.Online Education 2.Instant Messaging 3.Online Universities.

3. 1. Online Education Online Library Instruction suggests that all resources are available online. They are not. For spring 2011 Georgia Perimeter College has 8389 online students out of a total of enrollment of 25,530. That’s 32.9%. According to an annual study conducted by the Sloan Consortium and Babson Research Group the number of students enrolled in at least one online course during the Fall semester has increased from 1.6 million in 2002 to 4.6 million in 2008. This number is expected to expand. Large public universities are more likely to have online degree programs. To stay accredited, intuitions are required to offer the same access to services as students participating in face to face programs. Libraries will need to consider. Despite the debate on quality, the fact is that people are seeking knowledge. According to the Sloan Study, roughly 80% of the individuals enrolled in online classes during the Fall 2008 were enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. For the most part, online programs attract people whose life circumstances would not enable them to attend face to face classes.

4. How does the delivery of library instruction differ from a face to face environment to an online environment? Why is distance education popular? Cheaper for institution (no physical classroom) and convenient for the student (no need to commute). What type of student takes advantage of distance education? Those who work and/or those who live some distance away from the institution. Free vs. fee. How do we teach online? How did the tool emerge?

5. Is there a demand for online education and if so who is the audience? Who is attracted to online education and why? Professionals, working mothers; online education appeals primarily to working professionals who are interested in furthering their career. Even though unaccredited programs are not accepted by employers, individuals still sign up and pay tuition for these programs because they are interested in gaining skills in a particular area.

6. How online assignments are poorly conveyed online.

7. 1. Online Education

8. From the professor’s standpoint.  Steve tells of having to give a student recommendation to a student he’s never actually met. He’s often asked to place students in internships. This is a huge drawback since he often never actually meets his students.  If they come to campus once a week for class, they will probably visit the library and use its resources. They will also meet the professors. LIST is not even live, it is self paced. This defeats the purpose of the class. Is the school unable to get the students to even agree on a time to meet online for ‘class?’  The advantage of a self-paced course is that a busy student (work, family issues) can attend at whatever time is convenient and participate in discussions with the other class members and instructors, presenting a different dynamic for active learning than the traditional classroom.  Also, how does one design a course based on software that is continuously clunky thus making it tedious to type in lectures and presentations rather than just being about to "wing it" from notes?

9. 2. Instant Messaging

10. IM Chat Transcript Student: Where are the periodicals located in the GSU library? Librarian: Hello. Librarian: Which one? Student: In general Librarian: First floor and third floor of library north, in general. Not science. Student: Thanks! What does it mean to recall a book? Librarian: If it's checked out and you want it, you can recall it...when the other patron tries to renew it, they can't (I think). Student: Do you know where on GSU website can I find this information? I also need to list the steps to recall a book. Thanks, Librarian: I don't think the recall process is described anywhere. Is that what you need? A description of the recall process? Student: English 1102 questions about the library: Student: What does it mean to recall a book? and List the steps necessary to recall a book? Librarian: Is this for a class? Some sort of assignment to learn about the library? Student: Yes. Librarian: Dare I suggest you actually come into the library to find the answers? They are all here...especially your journal location question. Student has left the conversation. Student: how can I get in touch with somebody in the library (ph number)? I need help regarding information for recalling a book. Student has left the conversation. Student: where are public copiers located in the library? Librarian: Is this for your assignment to learn about the library? Student: what assignment? This is my first year here. Librarian: Are you able to come into the library? Student: not at this moment. I live many miles away from GSU and I commute during weekdays. Can someone help me, please! Librarian: I will...be patient. I have a line of people in front of me and other chats...

11. 3. Online Universities

12. What to expect when delivering live online training and how to prepare.

13.  My classes are always one hour long.  I don’t give handouts as I’m really just trying to expose students to certain phrases and exercises so when they encounter them in real life the phrases/terms/vocabulary are not foreign.  I get the students to participate by constantly asking them to respond to my questions. “Smiley face if you’re with me.” “Thumbs- up if you see the journal citation.” This also helps prevent boredom.  Students can’t drive their mice. They can only follow. They are passive.  Online instruction is not (necessarily) more effective than classroom instruction.  It’s fast which allows for a low absorption.  How do we make sure it does not fail and ensure success?  It makes the best of a bad/less than ideal situation.

14. Questions? Please wait until 9am to IM us your questions.