Course Description

This course explores the wide variety of reference materials (books, software, and the Internet) that support the K-12 curricula. Topics include selecting and evaluating sources, using the sources to find information, integrating the sources into the curricula, helping students use the sources, and lesson planning. Candidates answer reference questions, design instructional activities, develop pathfinders, create an instructional research handbook, and produce a reference bibliography.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

identify and use the basic sources of information in a variety of forms and formats (CF 1; AASL standards 1 and 4)

select and evaluate reference materials using recommended criteria (CF 1; AASL standards 1 and 4)

develop integrated lessons and activities for student us of reference sources. (CF 1; AASL standard 2)

provide guidance to users of information sources through effective interviewing and questioning. (CF 1 and 5; AASL standard 1)

access new technologies which provide for retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information (CF 1, 5, and 6; AASL standard 1)

determine ways to effectively communicate available information sources to students and staff (CF 1, 5, and 6; AASL standard 2)

Compliance with American with Disabilities Act

McDaniel College , in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 ( ADA ) and the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973/ Section 504, will provide reasonable accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. If you require special assistance, please see me privately and/or you may seek assistance directly from the Student Academic Support Services Office (SASS) on the first floor of the Academic Building (410-857-2504). You are responsible for initiating arrangements for accommodations for tests and other assignments in collaboration with the SASS Office and me.

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to be in compliance with the McDaniel College Honor Code in all aspects of the course.

Diversity

The Education Department at McDaniel College defines diversity as it impacts teaching and learning as “differences, or variety, among groups of people based on a range and combination of backgrounds and histories related to ethnicity, race, gender, language, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, geographical area, religious background, and exceptionalities in learning.” The department is committed to addressing diversity in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and interpersonal relations.

Course Texts and Recommended Sources

• Riedling, Ann . Reference Skills for the School Library Media Specialist: Tools & Tips. second edition - Worthington, Ohio: Linwood Books, 2005 - ISBN: 1-58683-190-9 (pbk.)
  
  Standards for School Library Media Programs in Maryland.  Baltimore: Maryland State Department of Education, n.d.  (Available on web.)
  
  ISTE Standards - International Society for Technology in Education - Available on the course site

Essential Competencies

As the semester begins, I am presuming that:

• you know how to teach, create instructional lessons, and develop supportive activities;
• you know how to direct your own learning and are self-motivated -- that you can problem solve, explore, and follow your intellectual curiosity; 
• you understand that the best class experiences occur when students actively direct the class discussions; 
• you know how to collaborate and learn from the class members in your group 
• you have successfully completed SLM 521 and are a competent Blackboard user

Course Procedures and Requirements

During the term of this online course students will have activities and assignments to complete on a session by session basis. Online assignments and activities will be posted at the beginning of each session. You may work ahead but nothing on the schedule is final and is subject to change until the first day of each session at midnight.

All email that you send me should have the designation SLM505-Lastname-Subject of the email - as the first thing on the subject line. Please sign all messages with at least your first name.

During each session you will be expected to:

• Read the Session Schedule, check the Announcements area of Blackboard

• Go to each of the Session Activity Pages which are linked from the course schedule

• Read each of the tabbed pages (click on the tab links)
  • On the Topic Overview page read the objectives, the essential questions, and collect the resources you will need.
  • On the Reading & Discussion page read the cited articles and/or text chapter(s) to answer the questions listed. Review the discussion topic and go to Blackboard to post your own response to the the topic then review and reply to the postings of your colleagues. The discussion may take place in the small group areas. .Read the Discussion expectations here
  • On the Introduction to Reference Type page, review the introductory information provided for the specific reference type that constitutes the focus of the session.
  • On the Resources to Review page review as many of the reference type citations and links as you can. It is not necessary to review each and every one; however it is a good idea to get a thorough understanding of the reference type by reviewing the examples. Enter the titles or sites you have found in your reference database or complete paper reference cards.
  • Read the Reference Activity and respond to the questions or complete the activity. Using a simple word processor or Microsoft Word write the answers to the questions. Cite where you found the answer and submit your document as described in the assignment specification.
  • Review the Instructional Activities page. Create the instructional activity for the reference type. Submit as described in the assignment specification.
  • Review the Best Practices area to see examples of lesson plans and activities that teach information literacy skills using the reference type that is the focus of the session.

Grades & Assessments

The following is a list of all graded assignments:

Session Assignments

Discussion Topics (15 pts. / assignment) - Since this is an online course there is a need to provide a virtual class discussion area. This is a place where students can share and respond to topics of interest during the semester. The session discussion question will be found on the session topic page on the course site as well as in the Discussion area on Blackboard.

Reference Questions - (30 pts. / assignment) You will be presented with reference questions and/or a reference activity.

Instructional Activities - (30 pts. / assignment) You will be asked to create an instructional activity that provides students with an experience in working with the access tools associated with the reference type for the session.

Reference Bibliography ("Bib Cards") - (50 pts total) While this assignment is not, per se, a session activity it is recommended that you create the entries for each reference type as you go along. Each student will create a bibliography of 40 print and 10 digital subscription resources.

Course Projects *

Pathfinder - This is an extended bibliography on a specific topic. It includes a listing of all of the important, relevant material needed to commence research on that particular topic. (30 pts)

Research Handbook for Students in the School Library Media Setting - The library media center serves as the information hub of the school and the library media specialist is the learning information leader of the building. This assignment asks class members to create a handbook for students that explains and facilitates the use of the LMC as a research center and provides the LMS with a tool for teaching these skills. The handbook should be written at the level of the students to which it is addressed. (100 pts)

Reference Bibliography ("Bib Cards") (see above) - As we discover and explore the various reference information sources, students will create and keep an annotated bibliography. The purpose of this activity is to leave the student with a list of outstanding resources.

*Note that all three course projects are required. Each project not submitted will result in the lowering of the final grade by one letter.

Attendance 

This class is primarily an online course. Students must attend the face-to-face meetings and participate in the online discussion activities on a session basis.

Grading Scale:

A 90% and above
B 80%-89%
C 70%-79%
D 60%-69%

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