Beyond Google:Improving Students’ Research and Information Gathering Techniques

Breanna Weston - Librarian

Library and Media Services

Why is Information Literacy Important?

Institutional Aspiration for Learning –WOURequired for accreditation by NWCCUGeneral skillData SmogBetter work

What is Information Literacy

“Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to ‘recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.’” (IL Comp Standard for Higher Ed-ACRL)

Information R/evolution – Michael Wesch

Information Literacy Standardsor Creating Life Long Learners…

Know

Access Evaluate Use EthicsACRL – IL Comp Standards for Higher Ed http://www.platowa.com/images/Not_yet.jpg

KnowArticulatesIdentifiesPlanReevaluates

Initial thesis statement development.

News article vs. original research

Create a timeline of research including possible sources.

Thesis Statement

Planning

Publication Process

Explaining

AccessSelectSearchRetrievesRefinesManage

Information Retreival Systems

Search Strategies

Finding Resource

Comparison of search engines. (Google, Academic Search Premier, PsychINFO)

Require variety of sources.

Track searches.

EvaluateSummarizesAppliesSynthesizeIntegrates

ImpactValidationRevision

Main Points

Evaluate

Construct new concepts

Discussion

Compare sources

Annotated bibliographies

Create a forum/blog posts – require postings.

UseAppliesRevisesCommunicates

Producing product

Revising

Sharing

Product – paper, video, podcast, wiki

Presentation of product

Allow revisions

EthicsUnderstandsFollowsAcknowledges

Plagiarism/Works Cited

Copyright

Privacy/Security

Netiquette

Censorship/Freedom of Speech

Paraphrasing lessons

Practice good ethics

Works cited

More integrated approach.

Articulates Identifies Plan Reevaluates

Select Search Retrieves Refines Manage

Summarizes Applies Synthesize Integrates Impact Validation Revision Applies

Revises Communicates Understands

Follows Acknowledges

KNOW

ACCESS

USE

EVALUATE

ETHICS

Designing IL Assignments

Changing resourcesUse reservesCollaborate Assume limited knowledgeTry assignments

WOU, Hardesty

Designing IL Assignments II

In contextPost assignmentsClarify sourcesIncorporate technologyBreak down assignments

WOU, Hardesty

Assignment Part 1Write a two page summary on some

topical issue from The Oregonian. Summarize the facts and then the debate. Cite using MLA format.

Student Where do I get the Oregonian? Grocery store? Pick topic of interest in edition picked up. Main Points What is MLA format?

Dr. Eddy – WR135, F07

Educator (Professor/Librarian)

Oregonian Database Have? Where? Search strategies – limit by date Accessing article – print/online

Paraphrasing – Main pointsMLA/NoodleBib

Assignment Part 2

Adding to the first part, use at least two different sources to explain the two sides of the debate. (2-3 pages, attach previous)

Student sources = internet/google

Dr. Eddy – WR135, F07

Educator (Professor/Librarian)

Kind of sources – books, articles Find the sources –

Catalog/call numbers ability to use database Only local info enough? Summit?

Evaluation of sources

Assignment Part 3

Adding to part 2, persuasively argue at least one side of the debate. (3 sources, 3-4 pages, attach previous)

Student One more source - internet Argument - instinct

Dr. Eddy – WR135, F07

Educator (Professor/Librarian)

Thesis statementAnother source

Use previous methods/ may already have extra

Logical argumentOrganization

The Classic Paper

Write a 10-12 page paper on a topic in XYZ subject using scholarly articles with APA citations.

How can we purposefully incorporate IL? Groups of 2-3 and brainstorm ideas for 5-10

minutes.

Brainstorms

Sources

ACRL - IL Competency Standard for Higher Ed Institutional Aspirations for Learning NWCCU Information R/evolution – Michael Wesch WOU Library Instruction Tips for better library/research assignments

The Role of the Library in the First College Year – Chapeter 8 Strategies for Designing Assignments to Support Information Literacy Initiatives Larry l. Hardesty

Dr. Eddy – WR135, Fall 2007 Current Event Assignment

Accessing This Presentation• Slideshare• www.wou.edu/~westonb