1. Ringing the Changes
Reflections on delivering an information
literacy module
Ann Craig
a.craig@worc.ac.uk

2. Context
• University of Worcester
• Student profile:
 8000 students
 60% mature students
 Non-traditional entrants
and part-time

3. Development of UMSC1500
• Title: Managing and Communicating Information
Using IT
• Staffing: experienced Library and IT staff
• Interwoven themes:
 Information literacy
 Effective use of IT
 Evaluation of information sources, strategies and
personal performance

4. Learning Outcomes
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of
software packages and use at least two to communicate
effectively
• Reflect on the process of developing information
management and communication skills
• Compare and contrast the nature of a range of
information types
• Demonstrate an ability to locate information using a
range of search tools
• Critically evaluate (with structured tutor support) the
quality of information sources

5. Delivery and Assessment
• Use of Blackboard: for discussion and activities
• Opportunities for students to develop critical and
reflective skills
• 3 Assessments:
 Production of PowerPoint presentation based on a
research task
 Oral presentation
 Evaluative report of the research process
• Informal assessments e.g. pre & post-test
plagiarism test

6. Changes
• Based on:
 Staff observations: changes in student profile
• Removed most basic IT sessions
• Delivered in Semester 1 only
 Students’ evaluations:
• Introduction of oral presentation
 Staff development:
• Assessment of learning styles
• More interactivity: peer teaching

7. Changes
• UMSC1501: September 2004
 Opportunity for students to study at a time and place
to suit them
 Similar learning outcomes and assessments
• Reflection on process of online learning
 Similar content but different programme
 Students were expected to have a higher base level
of computer skills
 Convergence of both modules

8. Benefits
• Full participation in academic process
• Getting to know the students
• Staff development
 Team teaching
 Developing online activities and materials
• Reuse of materials in embedded information
literacy programmes
• Modules are valued within the University

9. Benefits to students
• Word of mouth recommendation
I have enjoyed
this module and
it has given me
more
confidence…
I found that the
module
overlapped and
repeated another
of my modules…
I would recommend it
as an automatic
foundation module for
all!... It has to be a
MUST for any mature
student starting out.

10. Challenges
• Staff intensive: particularly assessment
• Meeting needs of students with poor computer
skills
• Meeting needs of students with high level
computer skills
• Extending provision: embedding modules within
academic programmes
• Avoiding repetition

11. Future: SMILE
• Study Methods and Information Literacy
Exemplars
• Joint project with Imperial College and University
of Loughborough
• JISC RePRODUCE project
• Builds on OLIVIA programme
• Includes writing skills
• Will be available to the academic community via
JORUM

12. Summary
• Meeting the needs of the students?
 Assessments and evaluations
 Need to measure the long term impact on students
 Balance between embedded programmes and stand
alone modules
• And staff?
 Develops understanding of the learning and teaching
process