Searchpath Transforming TILT: Adapting an

Information Literacy Tutorial

Elaine Anderson Jayne

Western Michigan University

October 25, 2002

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Background

• Western Michigan University

• Our audience

• Goals and objectives

• Web or multimedia?

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Sound Familiar?

• Mostly 50-minute sessions

• Instruction by request

• Critical thinking

• Rising enrollment

• Same number of librarians

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Doing the Math

5,669 freshmen 9 librarians= 630 students each, if 22 per class

or 29 classes+ other classes on request

Sum total?Burnout!

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Past History

• HyperCard

• Labyrinth

• CLUE

• Searchpath #1

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Searchpath Returns!

March 2001– Teaching & Learning with Technology grant

Other tutorials– Texas Information Literacy Tutorial (TILT)

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Tips for Effective Instruction

• Outline objectives and outcomes

• Clearly defined structure

• Interactive exercises

• Concepts behind mechanics

• Contemporary language/topics, be succinct, don’t be afraid to entertain

Adapted from “Tips for Developing Effective Web-Based Library Instruction”ACRL/IS

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Graphic Design and Learning

• Lead the reader’s eye

• Small units of information

• A balance of graphics and content

• Ransom notes and clown’s pants

From Patrick Lynch’s Web Style Guide

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TILT Features

• Web platform

• Information literacy

• Learning objectives

• Interactivity

• Look and feel

• Quizzes

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Adapting TILT

• Use TILT “as is“

• Make minor changes

• Make more extensive changes

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Some Concerns

• Level of detail

• Page length

• Tone

• Library jargon

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Site & Page Structure

• Template

• Platforms – PC/Mac

• Browsers

• Resolution

• Site structure

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Look and Feel

• Visually interesting

• Color-coded modules

• Color scheme

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Navigation

• Homepage

• Module choice

• Next & back arrows

• Navigation bar

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Interactivity

• Learn by doing• Brainstorm keywords• Live searches

– Online catalog – Periodical Abstracts

• Games

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Flash

• Animations & interaction• Need Flash Player• Can be slow• Accessibility issue• Non-Flash versions

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Quizzes

• Interactive

• Reinforce learning

• Proof of doing tutorial

• Enter name

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Use of Searchpath

• Students

• Instructors

• Librarians

• Prerequisite or stand alone unit

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Assessment and Evaluation

• Critiques

• Quiz results

• Input

• Exit survey

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Conclusion

• Eagle and the Wren

• Future plans

• Open Publication License

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Contact Information

Elaine Anderson Jayneelaine.jayne@wmich.edu(269) 387-5823