Library of Congress Course Module

Library of Congress Learning Module

Objectives:
The student will state purposes for the Library of Congress after navigating and exploring the website.

The student will apply how the online services rendered by the Library of Congress can meet their professional needs and their students' needs.

Students will experience a virtual field trip, online searching and possibly webcams and audio streams.

ISTE Standards:
II. A "design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners."

V. A. "use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning."

Introduction:
Let's take a virtual field trip and explore the Library of Congress.

Readings:
Library of Congress
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress

Library of Congress Subject Headings
http://libweb.uoregon.edu/guides/findbooks/subjects.html

America's Story from America's Library
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/cgi-bin/page.cgi

An Adventure of the American Mind
http://www.aamprogram.org/index2.aspx

Discussion Questions:
Respond to the three questions below in the group discussion area this week. At least two postings of substance are required.

What is the purpose of the Library of Congress?

What did you discover at the website or in person?

What services provided at the website would be helpful to you?

Activity:

Explore the Library of Congress website.

Assignments:

Take the virtual tour of the Library of Congress and describe highlights of your experience in 150 words.

Choose one other assignment:

Listen to one of the three most recent webcasts from this site, and respond briefly to the speaker in 100 words.
List and explain 5 sample learning activities that you could use with your class and/or use as a professional integrating this website. Be sure to check out America's Library.
Visit the Library of Congress in person. Take at least 10 pictures, including some on the use of technology, and write captions. Be sure to cite that your photos were taken at the Library of Congress!

The last option relieves you of one other elective assignment of your choice!

Assessment Rubric:

Unacceptable

Developing

Accomplished

Basic sketch of two assignments.

Some conclusions drawn, but left
the reader wanting to know more and
why it mattered.

Interacted thoroughly with assignment
applying, analyzing, and synthesizing, as
appropriate, evidencing in-depth
exploration of readings and website and
mastery of objectives.

Is below word count and not of
substance.

Meets word count, but lacking
in substance, application, and
analysis.

Meets or exceeds word count and
highly developed.

Submission:
Post to your web page on the McDaniel server and send an e-mail to the instructor to notify him following protocol as explained and posted. Include a hyperlinked URL in the text of the e-mail.

Debby Hare, MS
June 2006