Information support for eLearning: principles and practice
13 August, 2003
SCONUL (Society of College, National and University Libraries) and UKeUniversities Worldwide (the UK government-backed company set up to provide online degrees from UK universities to students worldwide) have published a briefing paper entitled Information support for e-learning: principles and practice.
An information-rich environment is as important to online learners as those studying on campus. The new briefing paper will ensure that teachers, designers and administrators of online courses are aware of the information support issues that arise in providing eLearning, and the ways in which libraries can help with them. The principles and many of the suggested delivery mechanisms are also more widely relevant to anyone with an interest in efficient eLearning.
"This, our first major collaboration with SCONUL, reflects the recognition by UKeU of the importance of the library system and the valuable expertise within the library community in delivery of online information" says Professor David Unwin, Learning Programmes Director at UKeU.
The paper outlines the responsibilities of an institution providing eLearning:
- To ensure that access to high quality information is integrated into course provision
- To equip eLearners with the information skills to exploit that information
- To provide appropriate advice and assistance to eLearners in information-searching
- To address the related communications and costing issues
SCONUL Secretary, Toby Bainton, says "SCONUL has been glad to advise how the experience of online learners can be enriched by seeking and finding information in pursuit of their studies. Supplying the information at a distance presents fresh challenges but librarians can offer creative solutions."
Copies of the briefing paper are available free from the SCONUL office (Tel: 020 7387 0317 E-mail: info@sconul.ac.uk), or can be downloaded from http://www.sconul.ac.uk/publications/pubs/info_support_elearning.pdf or www.ukeu.com