This module addresses communications skills, and requires active use of writing, speaking, and other forms of self-expression. The activities provide an opportunity for information gathering, synthesis, and analysis in solving problems and in critical thinking.
Students should have the following skills prior to using this module:
The instructor should identify local resources that can provide these students with the skills they need to complete this module. Some examples of these resources include:
Identification of students lacking these skills and providing them with learning opportunities to acquire these skills is a critical necessity. This module will not provide this instruction. It will only provide the opportunity for students to utilize these resources in a meaningful, relevant manner.
The instructor should explain that the content for this module resides in ANGEL and ask students to read the content, and complete any relevant activities prior to any in-class instruction. Provide students with the following information:
Each module contains activities designed to help students learn and practice the concepts presented. Reflective questions help students recall what they already know about the topic as well as to work through new ideas and concepts. Worksheets and tip sheets supplement the instruction and give students an opportunity for additional practice. Quizzes provide yet another means for students to practice as well as to check to be sure they have read and understand the materials.
The modules all have a standard layout. When you import a module into your ANGEL group or course a folder with the module's name will be added under the "Lessons" tab (course) or the "Content" tab (group). This folder can be moved and placed within another folder if desired.
To start the module, students should open the first file in the list inside each module's folder. This file has the word lesson as part of its name and contains the links to other parts of the lesson.
Open the first file in the module folder to begin the lesson.
This "master" file contains descriptions of the purpose, goals, and objectives, as well as instructions for completing the module, references to materials used in designing and developing the content of the module, a summary of the important points in the module, and a survey for students to complete after finishing the module. (Survey results are available to editors in the group or course through the on-line grade report tool.)
The rest of the files in each module's folder are accessed through links embedded within the content. As the student reads the content and completes the activities, other files from the folder will be used. Some students may become confused if they try to complete the module by working their way down the list and viewing each file without reading the accompanying materials. Instructors may want to make a point of announcing in class and/or putting directions in the syllabus about how to complete each module.
Note: The module will not work correctly if the student does not begin with the "master" file and work through the activities using the embedded links.
Scores for quizzes are recorded in ANGEL and can be accessed through the on-line grade report tool. Responses to reflective questions using the "My Notes" tool are accessible only to the person who types them - they are not available to the group or course editors. If you, as the instructor, want to see the answers to the reflective quesitons, you will need to have the students use a word processor to record their answers instead of the "My Notes" tool.
In addition to the quizzes and activities already written into each module, owners/editors may want to add discussion (message) boards, chat rooms, surveys, links, etc. These are all tools that are available within ANGEL. Instructors also have the option of editing and adding or deleting quiz questions and/or quizzes.
As the instructor, you will need to choose which assignments students are to complete, determine if and how credit will be given for the assignments, and establish due dates and submission methods for the assignments. Including this information in your course syllabus will make it readily available to students.
Following are the assignments embedded in the Introduction to Search Strategies and Source Evaluation module:
Activity 1: Reflective question - What's important when doing scholarly research?
Activity 2: Quiz
Activity 3: Boolean terms
Activity 4: Quiz
Activity 5: Quiz
Activity 6: Evaluate sources - handout
Activity 7: Internet Hunt
This module is somewhat related to and dependent on other modules on personal effectiveness, including note taking, active listening, active reading, time management, project planning, interview skills, stress management, conflict management, peer tutoring, and brainstorming.
Therefore, it is recommended that instructors introduce this module to students after the other personal effectiveness modules, for the personal effectiveness modules are in some ways prerequisite to this module.
Note : This is an excellent opportunity to utilize and reinforce the cooperative learning techniques from the Cooperative Learning Module.
These points are covered in the iStudy module, but should be emphasized in any discussions.
Through observing both the group's and the individual's activity, the instructor may assess student performance. Assessment criteria are as follows (Instructors provide the percentage weights):
Where |
Domain |
Activities |
% |
iStudy module |
Knowledge |
The student can identify differ-ent types of sources and their appropriateness by listing them. |
|
iStudy module |
Comprehension |
The student can formulate questions to help evaluate sources. |
|
In-class |
Application |
The student can locate informa-tion/source by using search strategies. |
|
iStudy module |
Synthesis |
The student can evaluate the quality of sources by applying criteria detailed in iStudy module in ANGEL. |
|
100 |