This is a comprehensive tool for instruction librarians to use to teach students how to do research well and to think critically about the information they find. The tutorial provides materials, links, and exercises that help students become more adepts at identifying, locating, evaluating, and using information effectively and ethically.
Type of Material:
Collection
Recommended Uses:
In-class or take home assignments. Individual or team.
Technical Requirements:
Internet browser for the main site. Some content on linked sites require Adobe Flash to view.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
This site is designed to help librarians teach students how to do quality research, and think critically about the sources that they choose to use. Students and other users will understand how to select appropriate topics, determine types of research tools and how they are useful, and recognize appropriate sources for research papers. Students are also taught how to use library databases to find information, identify differences between information in library databases and Google Scholar, understand how to evaluate websites for quality information, and describe the reasons for citing information and learn how to do it correctly.
Target Student Population:
First year college students to graduate students
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic computer skills.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This collection provides instructional librarians and students tools to learn how to use information more effectively in research. It is a complete demonstration of the process of information literacy and critical thinking skills that students need to succeed. It is flexible; individual parts can be used separately. It could easily be adapted for use in other libraries. Content is slightly old, but still relevant.
Concerns:
Much of the content is via links to other sites. Available content is slightly old. It would be nice to see newer content, examples, or approaches.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
This collection includes a number of exercises and activities for reinforcing concepts. Most of the linked-to content provides information in a succinct, easy-to-understand format. Learner objectives are provided for each content area. Content areas are self-contained and can be done independently. Information presented is relevant.
Concerns:
Instructors will need to review information carefully to select the best examples and activities for their students. Some of the library resources are unique to UCLA and thereby inaccessible to non-affiliated individuals. This will require students to make a leap in understanding from sources shown in the onscreen tutorials to locally available resources.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
This guide for librarians is easy to use with clear navigational tabs. Examples and built-in assignments are included. Additionally, all links work and are up-to-date. Each content area maintains a consistent design style.
Concerns:
Poor overall design. Although the parallel layout for each content area is desirable, its execution is poor. Users will find it hard to read from left to right, which is the standard technique. The guide includes too many color schemes, and at times, too many links. This makes reading or skimming difficult. Sometimes it is hard to find specific handouts. Overall, the guide could use a major overall with someone skilled in web design.
Creative Commons:
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