This document discusses upgrading an information skills training module at City University London. The university aimed to create a standalone, engaging, and interactive module using new technologies like Adobe Presenter and quizzes in the virtual learning environment. While creating consistent content across support services presented challenges, talking slideshows and flexibility to add content were successes. Looking ahead, the university plans to embed the module in courses, create new formats like podcasts, and ensure new content meets student needs.

1. New technologies and new relationships
‘Upgrading’ our
information skills training
Catherine Davies
Learning and Research Support Co-ordinator
City University London

2. Where we started…
…a blank slate

4. Our new module had to be…
 A standalone resource
 Engaging
 Interactive

6.  Clean look
 Simple, friendly language
 Interactive quizzes
 Different types of content, all in one place
 Flexible, to add extra content

7. Finding and using information (information
and research skills)
Quick downloads library
Essential study skills
Professional skills development

16. Technologies
 Adobe Presenter (Talking slideshows and quizzes)
 Quizzes in VLE
 Video
 Downloadable pdf guides

17. Presenter
 Easy to use

19. Top presenter tips…
 Keep them short
 Use animation
 Images – (Flickr Creative
Commons)
 Use the notes as your
create your presentations
to create your script and
transcript

20. What went well…
 First time working together with other support services
 ‘Talking slideshows’ were seen as a success around
the university
 Raised our profile
 High take up where supported by the School
 Good ‘next step’ from OLIVIA

21. And not so well…
 Working with other services!
 Creating the content – maintaining consistency
 Still having ‘School’ versions
 Working with the VLE – and planning for change
 Promoting Upgrade
 Is it actually being used?

22. Looking forward
 Moving to a different platform
 Embedding in courses
 ‘Generic’ version
 New formats: Podcasts, Captivate videos
 New content – does it meet the needs of students?

23. catherine.davies.1@city.ac.uk
Any questions?

24. Credits
 'slate' by Leo Reynolds http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwr/5487608/
 'Fireworks 93' by photobunny
http://www.flickr.com/photos/photobunny_earl/1309409634/
 'green circuit board II' by BotheredByBees
http://www.flickr.com/photos/botheredbybees/2389301870/
 ‘tip_jar_sm[1]’ by thoth92
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aaronf/139344191/
 'thumbs up' by TheTruthAbout...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetruthabout/2842830409/
 'Complaints thumbs down-784494' by Oldmaison
http://www.flickr.com/photos/httpoldmaisonblogspotcom/221227903/
 ‘Desert road into the mountains’ by mkrigsman
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mkrigsman/2852232536
All images available under the Creative Commons from Flickr