Wikis%20in%20the%20Classroom:%20Powerful%20Tools%20for%20Library%20Instruction

1
Wikis in the Classroom Powerful Tools for
Library Instruction

• Chad F. Boeninger
• LibraryVoice.com
• Computers in Libraries
• March 23, 2006

2
Library Instruction Goals

• Teach tools to accomplish a project
• Teach research/information literacy concepts
• Begin a relationship and dialogue between the
  librarian and students

3
Library Instruction Challenges

• Most classes are 50 minutes
• Teach about 300-500 business students each
  quarter (15-20 classes)
• College of Business has 1700 students
• Penetration of library instruction in the
  curriculum is spotty
• Im only one person

4
More Challenges

• Front-loaded instruction may not be relevant
  later in the term or academic career
• Variety of projects means instruction must be
  scalable
• Location of instruction can vary
• Class requests may be spur of the moment

5
Traditional Research Guides

• Research guide subject guide pathfinder
• Popular method of disseminating library
  information/complementing instruction
• Previously had 3 research guides
• Business Research Guide
• International Business Research Guide
• Marketing Research Guide

6
Limitations of Research Guides

• Redundancy of resources
• No interlinking
• Multiple edits of the same content
• Not searchable
• No way to measure use
• Timely updates are difficult

7
What is a Wiki?

• A website in which content can be created and
  edited by a community of users
• Best example is Wikipedia
• Strength of the resource is often dependent on
  the strength of the community

8
The Biz Wiki
http//www.library.ohiou.edu/subjects/bizwiki/

• Organized by topic
• Browse by category or alphabet
• Searchable by keyword
• Users can edit/add content
• Interlinked articles allow for increased access
  to information

9
Teaching with a Wiki

• Wikis make excellent teaching tools
• Replace class handouts
• Example
• Doing Business In Another Country
• Industry Research Basics

10
Biz Wiki Content

• Point to the best tools with nuggets of
  information literacy concepts
• Content can be a guide for general or more
  specific topics
• Wikis support keyword to subject heading concepts

11
Wikis are Flexible

• Learning raises more questions
• Wikis offer the flexibility to address questions
  when needed
• Content is easy to edit/update
• New/updated content is available immediately

12
Wikis Are Fast
13
Wikis Are Fast

1. Email question from patron
2. Respond to patron
3. Similar question via IM
4. Use content of previous question to create wiki
   article
5. Answer is out of email and on the web
6. Would not be as easy with a handout

14
Wikis Build Community

• Frequent updates help to maintain dialogue with
  students
• Wikis have feedback mechanisms
• Potential for building/strengthening community
  of researchers

15
Why a Wiki?

• Wikis are fast
• Wikis are scalable
• Wikis can make the librarians job easier
• Wikis can make the librarian more available
• Wikis can contribute to the learning community

16
Questions??