Where Technology and Information Literacy Meet: Interactive Web-based Tutorials for Lifelong Learning October 2, 2005 LITA National Forum Pamela Jackson Information Literacy Librarian San Diego State University Bridget Kowalczyk Information Literacy Specialist San Jose Staté University

Abstract San José State University (SJSU) and San José Public Library (SJPL) have been collaborating on innovative instructional design projects for local area teens. Technological advances in library instruction make it possible for libraries to reach out to the high school community, helping ensure that incoming university students are prepared for college life. Our group is creating a series of interactive, web-based instructional modules based on high school curricula and actual student assignments. Online tutorials can be done anytime, anywhere, making library instruction itself portable. This technology can help bridge a gap in students' information literacy skills, creating a better opportunity for them to succeed.

Benefits of Online Library Tutorials Students learn information literacy skills at their own pace, outside of physical classrooms and traditional class time. Offers a progressive reinforcement of information literacy skills. Students gain a common foundation of knowledge before the in-person library instruction session. “Face” time with students can be advanced and student-centered when tutorials precede in- person library instruction.

Concepts Taught via Information Literacy Tutorials General orientation to the library’s physical and online environments Defining a research topic; selecting search terms Selecting, searching for and evaluating information Identifying popular and scholarly literature Understanding and recognizing primary research Plagiarism And much more!

Measuring Student Learning Pre-tests measure student knowledge before taking the tutorial. Quizzes at the end of each module or tutorial test students’ knowledge after completing the tutorial. Quiz data can be used to tailor content of both library and course instruction.

Quizzes and Queries Students register to take a tutorial. Quiz scores are automatically ed to the student upon completion. Results were originally stored in a local MySQL database on the Library’s Apache Server, but migrated to the Oracle Server in mid Queries allow us to see quiz scores by class, student, semester (includes class averages and scores by question).

Tutorial Creation Teams Consist of… Librarians and the Information Literacy Specialist responsible for creating the content and quizzes, and overseeing the overall direction of the tutorial. Two Programmers responsible for HTML, PHP, Javascript, and back-end Oracle quiz databases and queries. Two Graphic Artists/Designers responsible for the artwork, Flash animations, and overall look of the tutorial.

Technology HTML PHP Javascript CSS (cascading style sheets) SQL or Oracle Apache Server Macromedia Flash Adobe Photoshop CS Adobe Illustrator VoIP (coming soon)

Timeline Tutorials are ongoing projects—they take significant time and nurturing. Average time to build a short, solid tutorial from start to finish can be a little as 3-6 months, but typically takes longer. Initial tutorials are usually launched and “tinkered” with every few months. While the technology is stable, content, graphics, and assessment can always be enhanced to maximize student learning.

The TRAMS Tutorial Collaborative educational technology project for teens. A series of interactive, web-based instructional modules. Modules were based on the AASL Information Literacy Standards, ACRL Information Literacy Standards, and actual student assignments.

Link to SJSU Tutorials: If you would like to experience the tutorial with the interactive quiz as students do, please follow these instructions: From the plagiarism tutorial homepage, click on 'SJSU Students - First Time.' Register as if you were a student, but use the word "test" as both your first and last name. Make up a unique number to act as your student ID (suggestion: use part of your phone number).

Contact the Authors Pamela Jackson San Diego State University Library and Information Access 5500 Campanile Drive San Diego, CA (619) Bridget Kowalczyk San José State University Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library One Washington Square San José, CA (408)