Course: IT 100

Introduction

This is a course coordinated by the Directorate of Library Services and Directorate of Information and Communication Technology at MUHAS. The course is divided into two modules, namely, learning technologies and information literacy. This course is taught to all first year undergraduate students at MUHAS. Click here to access the course materials

IT 100: Information and Learning Technologies (3.1 Credits)

Organization of the Course

Aim

To impart knowledge and skills to student in regard to the use of e-learning system for preparing and completing university assignments, as well as the use of web 2.0 technologies for collaborative learning. The course will also focus on the access and use of scholarly electronic resources for assignments, or clinical problem, or res

Module 1: Learning Technologies and Web 2.0 (1.4 Credits)

Organization of the Course

Module Content

1. Introduction to e-learning
   1. Introduction to computer hardware and software
   2. Use of word processing and power point software applications
   3. Introduction to computer networks, internet, email and worldwide web
   4. Introduction to e-learning concept, principles and theories
   5. E- learning types, with their advantages and disadvantages and current trends

2. Course management through e-learning platform

1. Introduction to Moodle platform: navigation of basic features
2. Access course information through calendar, and announcement tools, such as study reminders, assignment due dates, test dates, holidays
3. Use course tools to send a mail message, contribute to a discussion, access the course syllabus, view announcements
4. Create and facilitate a discussion forum on Moodle e-learning platform
5. Access and/or create learning materials, such as lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, instructional videos

3. Course assessment and evaluation through Moodle

1. Use assessments tools to access and/or submit assignments, group projects, discussions, quizzes, and tests
2. Use course and program evaluation tools to track progress throughout the e-learning course, such asscores on assignments, tests, discussions

4. Introduction to Web 2.0 application in learning environment

4.1Introduction to the participatory World Wide Web (Web 2.0)

1. Differences between web 2.0 and web 1.0

5. Use of web 2.0 tools: Social Bookmarking, and content development

1. Create accounts for storing, organizing, and retrieving web-based information using Social Bookmarking tools
2. Remote collaboration: How to develop content remotely using wikis, Google Docs and blogs
3. Information Self Service: How to get selected information via alerts and RSS feeds

Module 2. Introduction to information searching techniques(1.7 Credits)

Organization of the Course

Module Content

1. Introduction to information literacy
   1. Define data and information concepts
   2. Define and articulate the need for information (concept mapping and other techniques, formulating an effective research question, using general and subject encyclopedias)
   3. Identify potential sources of information (i.e. primary, secondary, tertiary, reference, and in-house literature) and their availability at the library
   4. Differentiate between free web, invisible web, and fee-based e-resources:
2. Search and retrieve information
   1. Overview of library services, library website and library guides on e-resources
   2. Construct and implement searching techniques: use googlelogy, boolean operators, phrase, wildcards, field searching
   3. Search library catalogue and other academic databases (such as, HINARI, CABI)
   4. Open access journals and repository: search free and/or open access e-resources including e-journals and e-books
   5. Other different publishing models that help make content more widely available
3. Evidence Based Practice (EBP)
   1. Introduction to Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
   2. Formulate a well-built clinical question including types of questions and studies
   3. EBP searching strategies that could improve PubMed retrieval, and other EBP resources, such as Cochrane and Trip
4. Evaluate information and its sources critically
   1. Evaluate information and its sources based on pre-scribed criteria, such as reliability, validity, accuracy, authority, timeliness and point of view or bias
   2. Reviews information retrieval sources used and expand to include others
5. Legal and ethical use of learning and scholarly information resources

5.1. Citations and reference overview, and the standard international referencing (e.g. APA)

5.2. Intellectual property rights issues in scholarly information, information policy and privacy

5.3. Educational copyright and fair use principles in e-learning environments