Ringing the Changes Reflections on delivering an information literacy module Ann Craig

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 recommendation I 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