Embedding video-based learning modules for library research methods in an online graduate engineering degree program

摘要

At the University of California, Berkeley, the College of Engineering has launched a fully online Master's degree program in integrated circuits. As part of this program, students are required to complete a comprehensive capstone project requiring access to the research literature and training on its use. The Library plays an important role in providing the information resources and instruction to help students succeed in their capstone. In response to student need, we designed an online instruction environment that supports common information challenges, uses rich and robust instructional videos to explain information concepts and demonstrate research techniques, accommodates different learning styles, and engages students through interactive and feedback-rich instructional resources. This paper showcases the value that we derived from the use of popular digital and web-based formats and publishing sites and through experimentation with emerging instructional techniques. It documents our team and technology-driven approach to developing the instructional modules, outlines our lessons learned, and discusses issues we encountered in supporting fully online degree programs.