Information Literacy,

Distance Education
& the Net Generation

Jeff Zachwieja
Marygrove College Library
Wayne State University LISP
November 10, 2008
 Virtual Information
Literacy Instruction
 Recreate, supplement or replace traditional,
face-to-face, one-shot library instruction in the
virtual environment.

 Involves various technologies to provide

opportunities for instruction.

 We are all part of the virtual instruction

environment.
 Virtual Instruction for whom?

 Those with limited access to the library.

 Those who prefer anonymity.
 “Net Generation” users:
 Have always used computers.
 Learn by doing.
 Tend to value speed & immediacy over accuracy.
 Are social and connected.
 Providing Virtual Instruction –
Email Reference
 A readily accessible, low-cost technology.

 Can provide individualized and in-depth

assistance.

 Asynchronous, inefficient and time

consuming.
 Providing Virtual Instruction –
Chat Reference & IM
 Synchronous nature is a plus (co-browsing,
page-pushing).

 A familiar technology to many patrons.

 Chat & messaging service can be

problematic in many ways for librarians
(communications issues, staffing).
 Providing Virtual Instruction –
Online Tutorials & Webquests
 Can reach many users and are always available.

 Can incorporate active learning.

 Work best as instructional supplements.

 http://www.emich.edu/public/loex/resources.php
http://webquest.org/
 Providing Virtual Instruction –
Online Video
 Software has made it much easier to produce
video content (Camtasia, Adobe Captivate,
Wink).

 A dynamic way to present information.

 Time consuming to produce; Tech issues

(bandwidth, compatibility, storage).
 Providing Virtual Instruction –
Course Management Software
 Librarians need to be proactive in adding
content & services to CMS systems.

 Wide range of technologies available within

the systems.

 May be difficult to overcome territoriality &

control issues.
 Making Virtual
Instruction Work
 Library instruction is largely PR.
 Instruction should be based on local needs.
 Focus on maintainability and manageability.
 Assessment is the key for improving services
and funding (Google Analytics).
 Technology shouldn’t drive instruction, it
should serve instruction.
 Just because you can, should you?
 Questions?

 This PowerPoint and the bibliography handout are

online at:
http://www.scribd.com/people/documents/4372416-jeffrey-zachwieja

 Additional links related to this presentation at:

http://delicious.com/jefflibrary/mili