Serving the University of Toledo community since 1919.

University of Toledo Carlson Library adds six information literacy modules

Ashley Diel, Staff Reporter

image_pdfimage_print

The University of Toledo Carlson Library and Learning Ventures introduced six learning modules for students on Blackboard that can be accessed under the student support tab.

The modules can be found by going to the Student Support tab, going to the Self-Help Resources for Students section and checking for the Information Literacy link.

The modules cover topics such as how to utilize scholarly resources, database searching, finding peer-reviewed journal articles, evaluating resources, citing resources and how to broaden or narrow a topic.

The modules are intended to introduce information literacy to new or returning students, according to Elaine Reeves, the online learning librarian.

“It assumes that people are not familiar with academic research,” Reeves said. “It is meant to get them started at the most basic level. If a student was to do all six modules they would know the basics of information literacy.”

Julia Martin, the business and economics librarian, said students often struggle starting research projects and finding quality resources, both problems the modules are designed to help with.

“One reason they struggle is that they are unaware of the wide variety of information resources that are available,” Martin said. “The modules introduce students to library resources, including both electronic and paper journals and books.”

Students have mixed feelings as to whether or not the modules will be beneficial.

Mark Asgot, a third-year English major, said he believes the modules are a good idea, but does not think they are yet ready to actually help students.

“I glanced at it and went through it a little,” he said. “Looking back at my freshman year, I do not think I would have used it. I can see how it has potential, but no student is going to take an extra mini-course. I think students are just so used to using Google for everything that they will feel like they can do it on their own.”

Other students, such as Mallory Silvan, a first-year communication major, believe the modules will be helpful.

“College isn’t high school,” she said. “Students are going to realize that sometimes Google doesn’t always work when you have to find actual journals and not just Wikipedia. Since it is new it obviously can still use some work, but it is a good start. The biggest problem I see with it is just getting students to be aware that the resource is out there.”

Reeves stressed that even though the modules are set up as a course they are still voluntary and are not graded. Each module has an introduction, learning outcomes, learning activities, a wrap-up summary and an optional quiz for students to take to assess their understanding.

The modules are still new, Reeves said, but once they begin to receive feedback from students using them they will continue to expand upon the six already in place.

Print Friendly

Leave a Comment