1. Abstract
The purpose of my poster is to illustrate the development – in partnership
with colleagues within my institution – of an Information Literacy module,
designed to form part of a new route PhD programme that is running, for the
first time, in the Autumn semester of 2012 at the University of Derby.
I collaborated with Dr Tristram Hooley (module lead and head of the
International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS1
)) and we decided to use
the SCONUL 7 Pillars model of IL2
as the framework governing the weeks
the short module would be running for.
This Level 7, 10 credit module is delivered online only and so each week has
supporting materials ranging from text only documents to audio-visual presentations.
Examples of some of the resources created for the module will be included on the
poster for illustrative purposes.
The module is assessed via portfolio consisting of weekly blog posts of c.250 words
and weekly tutor formative assessment is provided at the end of each week by
Tristram and/or myself.
The module culminates with students producing a final 1,000 word reflective post
looking back over the previous weeks and discussing how they will apply what
they’ve learnt to their future doctoral study. The aim being to ensure that all students
go into their PhDs on a more level playing field of ability and understanding of
information literacy skills.
The first run-through of the module is due to be completed by Christmas 2012 and
an assessment of its success and any challenges that have arisen will follow.
This information will be used to determine if any modifications are required to the
content for the next iteration of the module and examples are included on the poster.
Quotes from some of the participants
“Overall, the module I feel has been extremely beneficial in the development of my
research skills. Mainly, through me having to think about the structure and process
that I should be using when researching.”
Ian Coldwell
“...rather than scribbling loads of annotations down on the paper I have started to
type the annotations in the notes section of CiteULike. In the hope that this will
create a reference manager and a place where I can store the metadata.”
Ian Coldwell
“Reflection on each blog posted throughout the module has provided me with a
record of information and personal reflections which provided further reflection on
my progressive development as a researcher.”
Joseph Hatwell
“...my progression through the seven pillars within this module, I have learnt to use
a wide range of resources and techniques that have enhanced my research skills,
strategies and structure in my work.”
Joseph Hatwell
“On completion of week one, I has become clear that information as a whole is a
powerful source upon which new information and research is built upon. Although
we should all know this as researchers, I found that the short presentation and the
information provided, really hits the message home for me. This week has also
allowed me to reflect on how I research and where my strengths and weaknesses
lie, in my ability to source and obtain research.”
Joseph Hatwell
Module description
This module provides early career researchers with the tools to understand, utilise
and manage the information and networks that underpin research work.
Learners will be asked to think about the process of knowledge creation and to
consider how existing information and knowledge can be gathered and utilised as
part of their research. The module will also introduce learners to key technical tools
which support the identification, utilisation and management of information and
professional research networks.
Learning outcomes
1. Identify the locations of relevant information and academic networks in their
area of specialism
2. Be able to scope their own information needs and strategise ways to address
these needs
3. Effectively identify necessary resources using both information databases
and social tools
4. Analyse and evaluate the relative value of different information sources
5. Record, manage and retrieve research information
6. Identify and enact appropriate strategies for the dissemination and archiving
of research data.
Module information
■ Delivered online with students to participate weekly through blog posts with
a final, reflective blog post to finish
■ Portfolio assessment
Resources used by module creators
■ Adobe Presenter ■ Blackboard
■ Panopto ■ Prezi
Resources used by students
■ PowerPoint ■ Prezi
■ CiteULike ■ Zotero
All 6 participant students passed the module with one student achieving a distinction
1
http://www.derby.ac.uk/icegs
2
SCONUL 7 Pillars of Information Literacy Model
https://www.sconul.ac.uk/groups/information_literacy/seven_pillars.html
Impact
■ Practice change
■ Development of new research skills
and knowledge
■ Creation of networks
■ Improvement of research related
organisational skills
Pedagogy
■ SCONUL 7 Pillars Framework
■ Online delivery once a year
■ Reflective
■ Cohort-based
■ Progressive
■ Interactive
■ Multi-media
www.derby.ac.uk/library
EmbeddingInformationLiteracy
inaMastersofResearchprogramme
Jill Boland
Subject Librarian – Health and Social Care
Institute for Learning Enhancement and Innovation, University of Derby
email: J.Boland@derby.ac.uk
Tristram Hooley
Module Leader
University of Derby
email: T.Hooley@derby.ac.uk