1. From Distance Educationto
Online Learning:
Practical Approaches to Information Literacy Instruction and Collaborative Learning in Online Environments
Michael Courtney – Indiana University
Sara Wilhoite-Mathews – Ball State University
IOLUG 2013

2. Session overview Transformation of online learning Environmental scan
Learning objects
Initiatives/roles at IU & BSU Libraries
Looking forward

3. Background/history of online learning and its transformation
What’s in a name?
Translating the in-person experience
Enhancing with technology
From “sit and absorb” to hybridized learning
Off-campus, distance, distributed, ONLINE
Student investment &turning over ownership
Becoming partners in the process

4. Indiana University IU Libraries/Campus Partnerships
Centralization – a new concept
Role-playing
Evolving library services

5. Ball State University Public research university in Muncie, Indiana
17,000 undergraduate and 4,500 graduate
My role
New emphasis on online and distance education

6. Learning Objects (LOs)
Definitions
Types
Advantages (treats)
Disadvantages (tricks)

7. Learning Objects - Definitions
“physical objects specifically designed to promote learning through hands-on interaction” (Zuckerman, n.d.)
“a reusable instructional resource, usually digital and Web-based, developed to support learning” (Mestre, et al., 2011, p.237)
“a digital piece of learning material that addresses a clearly identifiable topic or learning outcome and has the potential to be reused in different contexts” (Weller, Pegler, & Mason, 2003)

8. So to simplify…
Digital
Reusable
Learning outcome
Activity
Assessment

9. Types of learning objects (and materials)
Instructional modules
Tutorials/Videos
Podcasts or recorded videos
Screencast videos
Online handout with screenshots
Animation
Static HTML webpage
Interactive - Guide on the Side
Libguides/Subject guides
Games
Powerpoints
Mobile device tools
Blogs and wikis
Quizzes and surveys
Discussion boards and forums
Skype sessions, webinars, or instant messenging

10. Advantages (treats)
Can be inexpensive, can save time, can be customizable, but also can be reusable
Can use with courses
To reach more people
Alternative to in-person library instruction
Too many instruction sessions, not enough librarians
Distance education students
To cover more information
Supplement to in-person instruction
Introduce content before one shots (such as flipped classes)
Reinforce skills and concepts after class
Can use with Individuals
Use during reference transactions
Accommodate learning styles and speed of learning
Can assess learning
Can use for marketing purposes

11. Disadvantages (tricks)
Can be expensive
Can be time consuming
Need knowledge of appropriate technology
Need knowledge of instructional design
ADDIE – Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate

12. Discussion of Current Library Initiatives at IU

13. Discussion of Current Library Initiatives at BSU

14. From my experience…I would recommend…
Using multiple LOs to create the most comprehensive information literate student
Starting with faculty members who are interested
Starting with one project/one piece of technology at a time
Keeping a record
Making sure that the LOs are accessible to people with disabilities
Making sure you use technology people can use/have access to
Working with a technology class or department
Experimenting and having fun!

15. Looking Forward What are other libraries doing?
How might we learn from them?
What might we want to do in the future?
How is this applicable across library types beyond academic libraries?

16. Thank you! Questions and discussion
Feel free to contact us with your questions, any ideas you might have for us, and discussion.
Michael Courtney –
Sara Wilhoite-Mathews –
Possible discussion questions:
What online tutorial or learning object have you created that you’re most proud of?
What are you doing at your library to accommodate online learners and/or streamline instruction?
What other ideas do you have for what can/should be done (in the future)?
Where do you (as a librarian or the library) fit in at your institution in terms of online instruction?
Do you see an increased focus on online education at your institution?
What about MOOCs?
What questions do you ask yourself (or what instructional method do you use) before creating an online learning object?
Do you have any advice for others about what you have tried/used?

17. References
Farkas, M. (2011). Tutorials that matter. American Libraries, 42(7), 32.
Guiney, P. (Photographer). (2008). Cee-Lo. [Digital image]. Retrieved from
Hayashi, T. (Photographer). (2010). View of counter. [Digital image]. Retrieved from /photolist-9jFjuN-9jCeJr-9rhWzR-6P5cHv-dXgLg8-dXgKG2- dXgKYa-dXgKsK-dXnptA-dXgLwr-dXgKcr
Kalasnik, N. (Photographer). (2013). Bi-Lo S Tryon Charlotte, NC. [digital image]. Retrieved from
Mestre, L. S. (2010). Matching up learning styles with learning objects: What's effective? Journal of Library Administration, 50(7- 8), doi: /
Mestre, L. S., Baures, L., Niedbala, M., Bishop, C., Cantrell, S., Perez, A., & Silfen, K. (2011). Learning objects as tools for teaching information literacy online: A survey of librarian usage. College & Research Libraries, 72(3),
Portland State University Library. (n.d.). Welcome to Library DIY. Retrieved from
Shank, J. D. (2003). The emergence of learning objects: The reference librarian’s role. Research Strategies, 19(3-4), doi: /j.resstr
Weller, M., J., Pegler, C.A., & Mason, R. D. (2003). Putting the pieces together: What working with learning objects means for the educator. Proceedings of the Second eLearnInternational World Summit, Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Edinburgh, Scotland. Retrieved from /pegler_edinburgh.doc
Zuckerman, O. (2006). Historical overview and classification of traditional and digital learning objects. Retrieved from objects.pdf
*ACRL Standards for Distance Library Learning Services:
**All images of IU, IU CITL, IU Online, and IU Libraries copyright Indiana University: