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Teaching Library Technology Through Distance Education: The 21st Century Version W. Reed Scull, Karen J. Starr, & Jill Wallace. Nevada Library Association Annual Conference (October 20, 2005). Summary Overview.
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Teaching Library Technology Through Distance Education: The 21st Century VersionW. Reed Scull, Karen J. Starr, & Jill Wallace Nevada Library Association Annual Conference (October 20, 2005)
Summary Overview • UNR course provides an opportunity to explore a vision of a possible 21st century library course • This “hybrid” course used numerous distance education technologies • Instructors: Karen Starr & Mark Knudson; included administrative & technological support
Reed’s Focus … 1. To provide the context for the offering of the course 2. To speculate on some of the organizational & conceptual factors leading to the success of the course
Context… 1. This course is one in a sequence of seven courses required 2. The University of Nevada, Reno’s Extended Studies unit has offered library science courses since 1994. Courses are taken by diverse audiences 3. Course curriculum proscribed: EDS 477/677 Technology in the Library
Factors Leading to Success of Course : ONE: Leadership of State Librarian, Sara Jones ---Leadership evidenced in: • Continuation of NSLA/UNR partnership • Assistance in recruiting instructors • Role modeling the importance of professional development
Factors Leading to Success… TWO: Use of Andragogy in Course Development • What is Andragogy? An approach to the teaching and learning of adults. • Leading theorists are Malcolm Knowles (1970) and Stephen Brookfield (1986)
Concerns of Andragogy • A responsibility for student’s own learning • An interest in real world application • An encouragement to develop own resources • Cautionary note: andragogy not used here as a guiding theory, but as a “mental model” (Senge, 1990), “metaphor” (Morgan, 1998), or “organizational frame” (Bolman & Deal, 1997)
How Andragogy was reflected in the course: • Use of asynchronous course delivery systems • Textbook assignment • Use of multiple technologies
Factors Leading to Success… • THREE. Use of Competencies & Standards as Guides -Western Council of State Libraries’ (WCSL) Core Competencies -One purpose of competencies: For “Leaders who may not have a library science degree and may benefit from additional training” (Helmick, 2005) -WCSL Core Competencies stated in syllabus -See: www.westernco.org
What is in this for library professionals? ONE: Strong leadership, awareness of andragogy & emphasis on professional competencies are possible ingredients for success TWO: Karen and Jill will provide you with greater insights
Today’s Technology • Tools of the Trade • Online Databases • Digital Libraries • Email • Technology Policy & Issues • Patriot Act • Filtering • Common misconceptions
Emerging Technologies • WiFi • Instant Messaging • Top Technology Trends
Technology Competencies • Computers and Library Equipment • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer hardware and common software • Demonstrate proficiency in the use of business machines used in libraries
Technology Competencies • Systems/Networking • Describe the parts of a computer network • Explain the difference between a LAN and a WAN • Use equipment such as cabling, routers, network cards, and wireless technology
Technology Competencies • Troubleshooting/Maintenance • Isolate and identify problems with hardware, software, and networks • Isolate and identify problems with basic library business equipment • Communicate problems effectively to support/repair person • Locate and use manuals, FAQs, and telephone and online help services to identify and solve problems
Technology Competencies • Security/Privacy • Use security tools and backup strategies • Articulate privacy and intellectual property issues that relate to library technology, including filtering software
Technology Competencies • Library Systems Automation • Articulate an overview of the various automated library systems available • Operate the various modules of the library’s automated system
Technology Competencies • Library Systems Automation • Design and use reports from the automated system for management of library operations • Work with vendors to maintain current automated system and prepare to upgrade or replace when necessary
Technology Competencies • Internet • Articulate a basic understanding of the development and structure of the Internet • Articulate a basic understanding of the World Wide Web and web page structure
Technology Competencies • Internet • Use digital communication tools such as email, electronic discussion lists, and web conferencing • Participate in digital distance learning opportunities • Create, evaluate and implement a computer an Internet usage policy for the library
Technology Competencies • Instruction • Teach basic computer and Internet use to customers • Teach the use of library equipment to customers
Technology Competencies • Technology and Communication Discount Programs • Explain E-Rate and other technology discount programs
Initiatives • Nevada’s librarian certification program • Western Council’s continuum of education • IMLS MLS funded program for Nevada • WebJunction • ALA Allied Professional Association
Technology in the Library • WebCT at UNR
History of Distance Education • Correspondence study • Extension of traditional classrooms through the use of new technologies • World Wide Web and computer-mediated conference systems
Advantages of Today’s Learning Technologies • Increased access to educational opportunities • Convenience and ease of use • Increased connectedness and communication
Advantages of Today’s Learning Technologies • More opportunity for collaboration • Has the potential to improve learning
ECAR and Pew Reports Caruso, J. and Kvavik, R. (2005). Students and Information Technology, 2005: Convenience, Connection, Control, and Learning. Available at: http://www.educause.edu/LibraryDetailPage/666?ID=ERS0506 Hitlin, P. (2005). Teens and Technology: Youth are Leading the Transition to a Fully Wired and Mobile Nation. Available at: http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/162/report_display.asp