Web-Based Instruction for School Library Media Specialists: Unleash the Power of the World Wide Web.

A World Wide Web-based distance learning course at Georgia State University, developed with World Wide Web Courseware (WebCT), is the focus of this study. The course, "Advanced Reference: Online Searching Techniques," concentrated on assisting students in developing skills for searching Internet resources, in particular the resources and databases of the Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO) initiative. The target audience for the course was school library media specialists enrolled in the Educational Specialist Degree Program with a concentration in library media technology. Research questions were: (1) Is Web-based course delivery an effective way to prepare school library media specialists in the instructional uses of Internet information resources? (2) Is Web-based instruction a successful medium for helping school library media specialists develop skills in searching and evaluating GALILEO databases? and (3) How do participants react to Web-based instruction? Sources of data were logs from the synchronous chat area, bulletin board postings, e-mail communications, course usage statistics, student projects, and structured interviews with the participating students. Results from the preliminary study indicate that participants' attitudes toward Web-based instruction are positive, and Web-based instruction provides a learning environment in which participants can develop electronic literacy skills and share their ideas and projects. (Contains 10 references.) (MES) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Web-based Instruction for School Library Media Specialists Unleash the Power of the World Wide Web Mary Ann Hindes, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Library Media Technology Georgia State University United States of America PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY K. Hayrock TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. A Web-based distance learning course developed with World Wide Web Courseware (WebCT) is the focus of this study. The course, Advanced Reference: Online Searching Techniques, concentrated on assisting students in developing skills for searching Internet resources, in particular the resources and databases of the Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO) initiative. The sources of data were logs from the synchronous chat area, bulletin board postings, e-mail communications, course usage statistics, student projects, and structured interviews with the participating students. Results from the preliminary study indicate the following: (1) participants' attitudes towards Web-based instruction are positive and (2) Webbased instruction provides a learning environment in which participants can develop electronic literacy skills and share their ideas and projects.