The modules may be used in several ways. You may choose to: assign one or several appropriate modules as independent assignment outside of class in preparation for an information gathering assignment; use them as a basis for class discussion based on shared experiences; or, design assignments based on the principles taught in the modules.

Many of the modules have an embedded "Research Log" in which students can apply what they have learned in each module, make notes, or record information relative to their project. Information recorded in the Research Log can be emailed to the instructor, or to the student, or to a team working on the project. We encourage you to have students take advantage of this element of the program.

A few examples of how the modules might be used are:

• Complete a major research project

Create assignments which step students through the research process so that their research process becomes a cumulative. Individual assignments might parallel the organization of the modules. (For example, create a concept map [first module]; write a the topic definition statement [first module], prepare a list of possible research questions with potential resources to answer the question [second module], etc.)
• Find several books, a few journal articles, and a web resource

Have students complete the third, fourth, fifth and sixth modules or learn basic searching strategies in electronic databases and in web resources
• Expand the range of resources they use for information gathering

Use the second module for generating ideas about a wide range of resources
• Compare differences between library and internet resources

Use the sixth module for reading url's, using search engines, and evaluating web resources
• Evaluate their search process AND the information they find

Use the seventh module for appropriate search criteria, and information evaluation criteria
• Cite sources, both print and electronic

Use the eighth module for a complete guide to citing resources
• Consider issues surrounding intellectual property, copyright, and privacy and security in the current electronic information environment

Use the ninth module for a preliminary list of resources

Please contact us for further discussion of Information Literacy initiatives.