It is imper ative that students learn to search databases and assimilate information to be successful in other classes. However you accomplish these tasks is not critical, but making sure you do them is important to the successful literacy of the student. Another activity is a direct result of CBU requiring writing across the curriculum. Students in my classes must locate an article about some aspect of computers, read it, summarize it, and hand in a one to two page report followed by their opinion of the information. These are due weekly.
Students discuss their article in class.
This builds community and serves as a learning tool for them and for me. Student evaluations indicate that this exercise more than any other builds the habit of reading jour nals, magazines, and other library resources. To keep up with high-tech advances takes time, training, and financial resources. Colleges and universities constantly juggle their financial dollars to support faculty, build computer labs, buy hardware and software as best they can. We as faculty can begin by admitting that we don't know everything and view new advances as inevitable.