“Preparing Professionals for Changing Educational Contexts”

 

Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Library Science Program

College of Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

 

CIL 673 Technology in the School Library

3.0 Credit Hours

Fall Semester 2009

 

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Instructor:          Scott Hensley          

Phone:                             702-378-8988                   

Email:               books@interact.ccsd.net

Office Hours:     by appointment

 

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PREREQUISITES:  Basic computer skills and at least a minimum literacy of technology is required for success in CIL 733. This includes basic knowledge of, but not limited to the following applications and technology: basic computer skills using at least the Window XP operating system; basic skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint (or equivalent desktop publishing programs); Internet search engines; online databases; Windows Media Player, Quicktime or other media players. You will have a more fulfilling experience in CIL 733 if you refresh your knowledge of the basics by taking advantage of free online tutorials available on the internet before the class begins. If you are having difficulty finding such tutorials, please contact the instructor for possible resources or explore http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/ website for great tutorials on basic computer applications.

 

COURSE INTRODUCTION:

Introduction of research-based practices and methods relating to identification, evaluation, management and use of all electronic educational technologies and resources and electronic information sources in the creation of an information-ally literate PreK-12 environment.

 

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:

KNOWLEDGE:

This course provides important functional information for the media professional about the evaluation, selection, and implementation of technology in today’s libraries and media centers. The skills and knowledge developed in this course enhances the student’s ability to manage the computers and technology in the libraries and media centers.

 

            PERFORMANCE

1.         Candidates demonstrate effective use of current and relevant information processes and resources, including emerging technologies.

2.         Candidates will develop leadership strategies for accommodation of new and changing technology in the PreK-12 environment.

3.                  Candidates model and teach legal and ethical practices.

4.                  Candidates identify and respond positively to information needs and requests.

5.         Candidates will identify changing technology trends that impact libraries and media centers.

6.         Candidates will learn to evaluate a variety of media and equipment to apply to classroom situations.

 

            DISPOSITIONS

1.                  Advocate for and demonstrate effective use of current and relevant information resources and technologies.

2.                  Model strategies for locating, assessing, and/or evaluating information that meet identified individual or group needs and interests.

3.                  Develop plans for delivery of comprehensive reference services including traditional and electronic resources.

4.                  Create bibliographies; resource lists for instructional units, recommended reading lists, Webquests, curriculum Web pages, and others as appropriate.

5.                  Compare, contrast, and develop Internet and Web based information services.

6.                  Communicate intellectual content and assist in its interpretation.

7.                  Stimulate reflective thinking through skillful use of questioning techniques.

8.                  Value opportunities for all members of the learning community to explore a wide variety of information resources and technologies.

9.                  Guide members of the learning community in finding, evaluating, and using information and ideas.

10.              Demonstrate knowledge of theories and uses of information systems.

11.              Demonstrate skill in use of all accessible traditional and electronic networks and databases, including inter-library loan, systems, networks and resources.

 

             RESULTS - Students will demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the following ways:

1.          Identify effective elements of staff development.

2.          Evaluate professional readings.

3.          Define visual literacy.

4.          Identify the characteristics of good visuals

5.          Identify methods used to teach utilization of equipment and the selection, use, evaluation and production of media to students and staff.

6.          Arrange school library media center to provide appropriate learning environments for the use of media in instruction.

7.          Demonstrate the ability to operate and maintain media equipment.

8.          Produce graphic, video, audio, computer and photographic resources.

9.          Create web pages to support instruction.

10         Recognize and evaluate trends in information technology and the related changes and challenges they present to the school library media specialist.

 

REQUIRED TEXTS:

 

Courtney, N. (Ed.). (2007). Library 2.0 and beyond. Westport, Connecticut: Libraries Unlimited.

 

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES:

During the course, a variety of journal articles and additional resources will be shared. Some articles, web pages, discussions, and information will be shared online requiring each student to use the CIL 733 Wiki. The CIL 733 Wiki and UNLV email should be checked regularly. The CIL 733 Wiki is an ongoing "work in progress" and shouldn't be expected to be 100% complete at any time. It is your responsiblity to check the Wiki often during the course for updates.

 

Student Obligations:

           Class sessions will consist of presentation, discussion and hands-on experience with various print and electronic resources. Assigned readings and individual and group assignments will provide the basis for class discussions.

 

           You will benefit far more from learning experiences in which you are actively involved, compared with those in which you are a passive observer. Assignments work together with class activities, discussions, and assigned reading to guide you in achieving the course objectives.

 

            Active learning is a necessity in this course. For example, lectures will not cover and summarize required readings. Readings are designed to provide background information, so that everyone in the class has a common knowledge, which will lead to discussion and questions. When reading for class, write down questions that occur to you and ask these questions in class.

 

            Students are occasionally expected to present unique material they have learned through class presentations and class group activities. Thus, the work you do on some assignments and in class activities will benefit not only yourself but also your classmates.

 

            Active learners take responsibility for their own learning and are self-directed, which means you will make decisions about many elements of your assignments, rather than being told to do it the one “right way.” You will need to think about the best way to accomplish your objectives.

 

            Active learners are critically reflective thinkers. Analysis and synthesis is expected in all work, both written and oral. Reflection will often be necessary.

 

            All written assignments are expected to be written with a professional appearance free of spelling and grammatical errors following correct APA guidelines.

 

CLASS PARTICIPATION:

Class sessions will be conducted as a discussion forum and as a laboratory experience. You are expected to have read the assigned material and to come to class prepared to discuss it. Come prepared to ask questions you may have on the assigned readings. Projects and assignments are due as assigned. Attendance at every class session is essential to the acquisition of the information and experiences provided in this course. This is especially true for the condensed summer session version of this course. You cannot participate if you are not here. Two (2) points will be taken off for each class missed.

 

Engagement in discussions or posting of questions and/or information on the CIL 733 Wiki will also be considered an extension of class participation. Because of the nature of this course, any absence can cause indirect lowering of grades through missed information, experiences, activities, etc. If a situation occurs which prevents your attending class, please notify me as soon as possible. It is expected that all students will arrive on time for class and stay until its conclusion. This is especially true for the condensed summer session version of this course. Being tardy or leaving early will also impact your final grade.  10 points