This document summarizes the development and delivery of an information literacy module at the University of Worcester. It describes changes made to the module over time based on student and staff feedback. The module aims to develop students' information literacy, IT, and evaluation skills. It is delivered online and through assessments such as presentations and reports. Both students and staff have benefited from the module, though challenges remain in meeting diverse student needs and avoiding repetition. Future plans include expanding embedded literacy instruction and developing additional online resources through collaboration with other universities.

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