Appalachian State University tested a new instructional method for an online Library Science course where students managed a virtual public library. Students were assigned specific roles in the library and had to work together to address issues that arose. A survey found students enjoyed the hands-on approach and were more engaged than in traditional online courses. However, more research is needed using larger samples to evaluate the effectiveness of this new epistemic gaming method.

2.  By:
Dr. Kim Becnel and Dr. Patrick
O’Shea
 Becnel, K., & O'Shea, P. (2013).
Teaching public library administration
through epistemic gaming Journal of
Education for Library and Information
Science, 54(3), 235-242.

3. 

Kim Becnel is an
Assistant Library
Science Professor at
Appalachian State
University
Ph.D. from the
University of South
Carolina University


Patrick O’Shea is an
Assistant Professor of
Instructional
Technology at
Appalachian State
University
Ph.D. in Urban
Studies (Old
Dominion University)

4. 
Appalachian State University tested a
new form of instruction for online Library
Science students that allowed them to
manage a virtual public library.

5. Students were sorted into groups of four
and were each given a specific role to
play within the library. (Library Director,
Assistant Director, Reference Librarian,
and Children’s Librarian)
 Students had to work through internal
conflicts that arose during the course
and gain experience dealing with
specific needs of their department.


6. Students graded each other based upon
participation. If one member of the team
was slacking, a lower grade would be
given.
 If mistakes are made by students in the
course, it allows them to learn from them
and not create any real-world problems.


7. After conducting end of class surveys,
students reported that they enjoyed the
hands-on approach to the course.
 Students were more engaged with this
method of instruction than in other
traditional online courses.


8. The article only covered one class and a
larger sample size will be needed for
more substantial results.
 The professor’s role in the course was
very limited.


9. Early research indicates a promising
future for online education in a virtual
setting.
 This new method is more engaging and
fun for students than traditional online
courses.
 Students gain experience in Library
Management through teamwork.
