Flipping it online: re-imagining teaching search skills for knowledge syntheses

Area of Science:

• Library and Information Science
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Academic libraries adapted services in response to COVID-19.
• Graduate student training requires effective knowledge synthesis searching skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To re-develop a three-part in-person series on comprehensive searching for knowledge syntheses to an online format.
• To implement a flipped classroom model for graduate student library instruction.

Main Methods:

• The series was re-developed using a flipped classroom model with asynchronous modules (Articulate Rise 360) and synchronous sessions.
• Pre- and post-class self-assessments were utilized to evaluate student understanding.

Main Results:

• 152 unique participants registered across two summer 2020 offerings.
• High engagement was observed with asynchronous pre-work modules and active participation in synchronous sessions.

Conclusions:

• The flipped classroom model proved effective for online graduate student library instruction.
• The library plans to continue the online workshop series with modifications, alongside in-person offerings.