Blended Learning: Mixing up Information Literacy Instruction Online and in the Classroom: Examples Modules

For an upper division Biology course, the librarian has used Canvas to flip some library instruction, guiding students as the familiarize themselves with the basics of finding research. 

This activity walks them through the keyword and search strategy generation processes: 

It also introduces them to the mechanics of database searching and the process of finding full text articles. Getting these basics out of the way before the library session frees up class time for active learning, higher order critical thinking and evaluation activities that make the most of face to face time. Students also come to class with questions and feedback on the tools introduced; they are better able to engage with with the session material, having some experience beforehand. 

For an online Computing and Software Systems course, the librarian created a module to introduce students to their subject databases:

This activity not only tasks students with exploring the advanced search features of the databases, but also asks them to bring in their subject expertise by evaluating the usability of the some of the tools and features they encounter while searching. 

In an upper division Media and Communication Studies course, the librarian designed a Canvas module to supplement an in-person library session. The librarian introduced aspects of scholarly communication and the students browsed through electronic issues of some of the field's top journals during the instruction session. After students worked through these conceptual ideas in class, the follow up Canvas activity guided them through the mechanics of searching within specific e-journals for relevant research.

UW Bothell's Nursing School has several courses taught at off-campus sites, with information literacy instruction embedded in the core courses. Historically, the subject librarian would travel to each site, often for two instruction session per course. As the school grew, it became increasingly challenging to meet instruction needs; therefore the Nursing librarian created Canvas activities to take the place of one instruction session in many of the courses. Students complete the module, which introduces students to the subject databases as well as services like Interlibrary Loan, before the librarian comes to the class:

In addition to demonstrating the basics of searching, the Canvas activity also provides assignment-specific instructions for using database filters and identifying types of sources.