UL 100: Information Literacy and Technology

Fall 2013

Professor:

Art Gutierrez Assistant Professor University Libraries and Archives 620-341-6205 agutierr@emporia.edu

Credit hours:2 credit hours When: Location: Monday 9-10:50 am Seminar Classroom(Rm 222) in Library and online

Texts: Badke, W. (2011). Research strategies: Finding your way through the information fog (4rd ed.). Bloomington, IN: iUniverse. Articles and other course materials for each module are available on Blackboard. Description of course: This course introduces students to the concepts and competencies of digital information literacy, which include the ability to access, use, organize, create, integrate, disseminate, synthesize and evaluate information in digital formats. The "digitally information literate" student will be proficient in the effective use of information in digital formats as applied in academic programs, professional work, and lifelong learning. Objectives: By the end of the course, students will be able to: Understand how the web works through basic HTML and search algorithms. Define, narrow, and focus a topic for any research need. Use the tools and understand the skills necessary to access information effectively and efficiently from a variety of sources regardless of format. Evaluate information critically. Access and use information ethically and legally Cite sources in a format recognized by professional colleagues in scholarly communication Attendance/participation policies:

A portion of the students grade will be based upon the extent and quality of his or her interaction in the classroom. Grading policy: Students will earn points on a daily basis. These points will come from a variety of inclass activities and assignments. In-class work must be completed during class. All five major assignments should be turned in on time. Major assignments that are turned in up to 24 hours after they were originally due will automatically receive a 50% grade reduction. These assignments will not be accepted after 24 hours, except in circumstances beyond the control of the student. The professor reserves the right to verify the validity of such circumstances by requiring proper documentation from the student. Grade scale: 93% -100% = A 90% - 92% = A87% - 89% = B+ 83% - 86% = B 80% - 82% =B77% - 79% = C+ 73% - 76% = C 70% - 72% = C60% - 69% = D 59% and below = F Assignment Structure 1. Activities: Group projects; in-class assignments; journal entries supporting other assignments; multiple-choice assessments; etc. to be determined by the UL100 instructor. Weight: 10% 2. Topic Development: You select a topic to research during the course either from a broad list of topics provided by the instructor, or a topic for a paper/other project you are conducting for another course this semester. The instructor will need to approve all topics and you will in turn use this topic for the remaining assignments in UL100. Weight: 5% 3. Creating Search Statements: Practice in creating, using, and reflecting upon the search process for your topic, using a variety of resources such as a library catalog, general periodical databases, Web sites, and other sources. Weight: 5% 4. Evaluation of Sources: Selecting sources covering your topic by identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of information as well as distinguishing between popular and scholarly sources as appropriate for your topic. Writing abstracts; writing

evaluative reviews of the sources and considering their relevance for the topic. Introduction to citation styles. Weight: 10% 5. Ethical Use of Information, and Why We Cite: Analysis of scenarios to learn more about plagiarism (intentional and unintentional!), intellectual property, and giving credit to authors of works. In class interview assignment. Weight: 10% 6. Annotated Bibliography: Provide an overview of your topic and five sources from your previous UL100 assignments. For each source, provide a citation (using your preferred citation style), an abstract/summary of the source, and an evaluation in which you address the sources usefulness/relationship to your topic. Weight: 20% 7. The Trail to Information Literacy and Information Technology: This assignment is the culmination of UL100, demonstrating your mastery of the research and evaluation process. The Trail is an annotated portfolio, or "map," of the research process/path used for your chosen topic. The specific requirements of The Trail are determined by your instructor, but will generally cover the following steps: A description and comprehensive overview of your topic, expanded from Assignment 6 An annotated list of "sources used" to explain your topic to an audience unfamiliar with it. This list consists of sources found from your previous assignments, and additional sources such as books, periodical articles, web sites, and other information sources appropriate to your topic. The list should be ten sources at a minimum. An annotated list of sources not used. This list will show your recognition of the value vs. lack of value of individual sources to your specific topic, and will demonstrate your ability to evaluate and judge relevant and irrelevant information as it relates to an information need. A reflection upon your research process/path throughout the UL100 course; what did you learn about the topic and finding/evaluating information, and what might you have done differently in your research? The Trail will be in the form of an electronic portfolio. Weebly at http://www.weebly.com is the program supported by the UL100 instructors, but you are welcome to use another program such as Google Sites, WordPress, PBWorks, etc. if you are familiar with it. Weight: 30% 8. Presentation: This presentation is based upon your electronic portfolio of the Trail to Information Literacy and Beyond and is an opportunity to display your learning discoveries to your fellow students. Weight: 10% Total Weight: 100% Academic Dishonesty At Emporia State University, academic dishonesty is a basis for disciplinary action.

Academic dishonesty includes but is not limited to activities such as cheating and plagiarism (presenting as one's own the intellectual or creative accomplishments of another without giving credit to the source or sources.) The faculty member in whose course or under whose tutelage an act of academic dishonesty occurs has the option of failing the student for the academic hours in question and may refer the case to other academic personnel for further action. Emporia State University may impose penalties for academic dishonesty up to and including expulsion from the university. Disabilities Policy Emporia State University will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities. Students need to contact the Director of Disability Services and the professor as early in the semester as possible to ensure that classroom and academic accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. All communication between students, the Office of Disability Services, and the professor will be strictly confidential.