SLIS 5369 - Seminar in Special Types of Libraries and Information Systems-Distributed Learning Librarianship Syllabus Instructor: Sharon Almquist Contact The primary means of contact in this course is through Blackboard Messages (e-mail) or at either of these external e-mail addresses (put SLIS DLL in the subject line): almquists@nku.edu salmquis@hotmail.com Technical Considerations Programs used include: Adobe Acrobat reader either Windows Media Player or RealAudio Flash Player PowerPoint, Word (07 or convert to PDF) Webcam and microphone (highly recommended) Netiquette & Collegiality Netiquette and collegiality come under the heading "What we all already know, but talk about anyway." As you know, every time you link to enter UNT sites, your communications are open for others to see. If you are not careful, these communications may violate UNT policies. Online communications are emails, discussion board postings, chats, attachments, links, and instant messages. So, to review... Do not use language that is: Harassing Threatening Discriminatory (Terms such as "idiot" and "moron" are examples of inappropriate discourse when referring to colleagues.) A copyright violation Profane (even if the profanity is abbreviated) UNT and class policies prohibit: Sending obscene pictures Sending obscene jokes Linking to adult sites Sending offensive email (with offensive being in the view of the receiver) Insulting anyone Insulting anyone s ideas or thoughts (disagreement is all right, insulting people is not)
the use of excessive???? or!!! or comments in ALL CAPS. This is equivalent to SHOUTING at someone and can be construed as hostile or insulting behavior. If you have any doubts, don t send it! I respect collegiality and hope you do as well. Office Hours E-mails generally will be answered within 48 hours excluding weekends and holidays. Voice/Text/Video chats are available upon request. Required Textbook Almquist, Sharon G., editor. Distributed Learning and Virtual Librarianship. (Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2011) ISBN: 978-1-59158-906-8 Course Description The course examines the history of library support for distributed learning, open learning, correspondence courses, mailed courses, and the like. We discuss the current and future issues in public, school, and academic library support of distributed learning especially as it pertains to computer-assisted learning. We explore current developments in copyright law as it relates to distributed/online learning and how different libraries policies support, or do not support, distributed learning and practice virtual librarianship. The course is a reading and discussion forum with emphasis on student led inquiry and discussion. We investigate various resources and develop solutions to problems libraries face, and will face, in support of distributed learning. Several expert guests join our discussions. Goals Prepare students to understand the issues, concerns, and trends of library support of distributed learning by: 1. Introducing the history, environment, and terminology of distributed learning 2. Exploring important current issues and trends in libraries support Objectives 1. Trace the development of distributed learning as a movement in education 2. Understand the contemporary environment of distributed learning and virtual librarianship in a variety of settings 3. Outline the educational role and administrative functions of libraries within the distributed learning and virtual setting 4. Identify major differences in types of support offered by academic, school, and public libraries 5. Identify current major trends and issues of distributed learning and virtual librarianship as they generally are viewed outside of a library 6. Identify journals, associations, programs, and resources
Methodology The course combines the following: 1. textbook readings 2. one major project with project critique 3. student led discussions & wrap-up worksheets 4. lesson investigations (mini projects) Student Led Discussions and Active Learning An active learning experience is a desired outcome of distributed learning and one way to initiate this is to share the responsibility for facilitation with students. Active learning is actually much harder than passive learning. Maintaining consistent, quality interactions makes the course much more interesting and engaging than simple regurgitation of information graded by the professor. The professor provides the outline of the course content and key concepts, but it is your involvement that provides the bulk of the educational experience. The primary teaching and learning activity in the course is active participation in the Student Led Discussions for each lesson. You have two roles in these discussions: 1. as a facilitator of your own discussion in which you formulate and post a critical thinking question based on the lesson material. You then encourage others to participate in your thread by answering their posts and asking additional questions. 2. as a participant in at least three other discussions. You are expected to share and discuss your findings/experiences/theories with your colleagues online. Try to avoid repeating what has already been said and instead build on the discussion by adding new insights. Examples from your experience in organizations, whether library-related or not, as consumers of online classes, and exploration of additional resources adds spice to the discussion. You are encouraged to seek out additional articles or examples that support your comments and opinions. Reference the readings as well and add outside information frequently to support your points and to offer evidence of understanding the concepts presented. The professor will occasionally make a Devil's Advocate appearance in the discussions to ask questions or ask for further clarification. Lesson Investigations In addition to actively participating in the discussion forum, you will complete several investigations. This is an opportunity for you to examine current issues. Many of the investigations have specific questions or requirements others are case studies that invite commentary on specific situations. Lesson investigation directions are included at the end of each lesson module on Blackboard. Chats Depending on availability, several guests may join the class for
voice/video/text chats. These chats are non-mandatory, but you will receive one bonus point (added to your total points) for each one you attend. Paper A formal written "paper" is not required. Major Project One major project is required. You may choose to work individually or as a group. It is worth 120 points and asks you to examine how academic, public, school, or virtual libraries are offering support for distance learning through exploration and interview. Course Schedule/Calendar Please consult the course schedule available on Blackboard for assignment and discussion due dates. Extra Credit No assignments for extra credit will be made under any circumstances. A student who is having trouble with regular assignments is strongly encouraged to contact the professor as early as possible for personal advising. Bonus Points Throughout the course a number of bonus activities may be available in the discussion boards. These are totally voluntary; you may participate in one, two, all or none. Each is available for a limited time period and carries various bonus points. These are extra points outside of the regularly assignment lessons. This might lead you to ask, "Aren't bonus points extra credit?" Yes, they are, in a way. They are already-available extra credit rather than something extra that the professor would have to assign specifically. Grading and Points There are five lessons total and the final grade is based on the number of points accumulated. Assignments received after the due date and without prior approval receive zero points. 1. Introductory postings: 10 points 2. Discussions forum postings (critical thinking thread, responses, wrapup worksheets) = 5 lessons worth 25 points each equal 125 points total 3. Lesson Investigations = 100 points total (5-10-20 points each) 4. Major Project = 120 points 5. Non-mandatory guest chat attendance. One bonus point per chat. These points are not factored into the point calculations below. Total: 355 points, which correspond to the percentages for letter grades. The number of points are then given the following letter grades: Approximate Letter Grade Range Percentage Grade Points 90%-100% A 320-355
80%-89% B 284-319 70%-79% C 250-283 60%-69% D 200-249 59% and below F 199 and under Grade descriptions: A Excellent work that considerably exceeds the stated course requirements. B Good to very good work that generally exceeds the stated course requirements. C Fair to poor work that minimally meets the stated course requirements. "D" and "F" Did not meet the state course requirements. Did not participate in the course. Incomplete No incomplete grades will be given for this course with adequate justification and after consultation with your adviser. Withdrawal The Graduate Catalog describes and explains withdrawal policies and deadlines. The UNT semester course schedule lists specific deadlines. A grade of Withdraw (W) or Withdraw-Failing (WF) will be given depending on a student's attendance record and grade earned. Please note that a student who simply stops attending class and does not file a withdrawal form may receive an F. Policies ADA Accommodation Anyone with a disability that will require accommodations under the terms of federal regulations must present a written accommodation request to the instructor by the second class meeting. Copies of the school's ADA Compliance Policy, ADA Policy on Auxiliary Aids and Reasonable Accommodation, and the ADA Grievance Procedures are available through the main office of the School of Library and Information Sciences (ISB 205, telephone 940-565-2445). It is also recommended that you register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (University Union 318A, telephone 940-565-4323). Academic Misconduct Cheating and disciplinary action for cheating is defined by the UNT Policy Manual Code of Student Conduct and Discipline. Cheating is an act of academic dishonesty. It is defined and is to be handled as follows: Plagiarism and cheating refer to the use of unauthorized books, notes, or otherwise securing help in a test; copying tests, assignments, reports, or term papers; representing the work of another a one's own; collaborating, without
authority, and with another student during an examination or in preparing academic work; or otherwise practicing scholastic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty matters may first be considered by the faculty member who may assign penalties such as failing, reduction or changing of a grade in a test, course, assignment, or other academic work, denial of a degree and/or performing additional academic work not required of other students in the course. If the student does not accept the decision of the faculty member, he/she may have his;/her case heard by the academic department chairperson or head for review of his/her case. If the student does not accept the decision of the academic department chairperson, he/she may then follow the normal appeal procedures listed in Disciplinary Procedures. Probation and Dismissal: Probation: Students whose cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on probation must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA on all SLIS graduate courses. Students on probation must remove their probationary status within one calendar year following the semester in which their grades initiated probationary status. Failure to remove the probationary status within this time period will result in dismissal from the program. Dismissal: Students who have been dismissed from the program are not eligible for readmission. This page was last updated on January 13, 2012