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| by
Nancy
Li
,
Kathy
Thorncraft
,
Charlotte
Jarabak
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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Apr 04, 2010 by Library and Information Services |
| Overview: |
This short animated tutorial teaches students how to identify books, book chapters, and journal articles from a class reading list using key citation information and how to then search for those items in the library catalog. |
| Learning Goals: |
The creators of this resource state that students will learn to "identify book, book chapter and journal article references from a reading list" and "use appropriate search methods in the catalogue to search for books, book chapters and journal articles". |
| Target Student Population: |
Although originally designed for students at the University of Sydney, this resource would also be beneficial for undergraduates at other institutions as well as High School students. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
No pre-requisite skills are required for this resource. |
| Type of Material: |
Tutorial |
| Recommended Uses: |
individual use |
| Technical Requirements: |
This Adobe Captivate animated tutorial requires Adobe Flash player for viewing. |
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| Strengths: |
The tutorial clearly demonstrates the three most frequently encountered types of citations and provides clues students can use to help identify them.The concepts taught are highly relevant and not institution specific. |
| Concerns: |
The scope of this tutorial is somewhat limited. Reading lists may now also include government documents, web resources, videos, or other multi-media materials. Teaching students how to locate only books, journal articles, and chapters in books will sometimes oversimplify the concept.
The resource would also benefit from including a statement referring students to the librarian or library staff for assistance if they still have questions. |
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
Using the theme of mice searching for cheese, students are easily engaged in the learning activity as concepts are reinforced and students learn progressively more through each example. The tutorial provides a complete demonstration of the concepts in a concise manner. It makes us of clever and fun examples and animations. |
| Concerns: |
None. |
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
Taking only about three minutes to complete, this resources is very visually appealing and easy to use. The creators attempt to engage the learner at every turn by incorporating humor and short interactive scenes where students can run the mouse character over the citation to identify key elements. The navigational bar enables maximum user control; very little instructions are needed. The tutorial is visually appealing and entertaining. |
| Concerns: |
None. |
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
Above the main animation screen, instructors can also find a link to a PDF version of the information from the tutorial. This worksheet further illustrates the concepts discussed and incorporates screenshots of the University of Sydney catalog. |
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