An Evaluation of the use of “Guides at the Side” Web-Based Learning Activities to Equip Students in Health Sciences and Nursing with Information Literacy Skills

Abstract

The Open University offers a range of health related programs, including the pre-registration nursing diploma and a foundation degree in health and paramedic sciences. It is a requirement for students on these courses that they develop skills in finding, accessing, and reviewing information. Library staff worked with academics to embed activities into these courses that assist students in developing information literacy skills.

To overcome the necessity of providing extensive instructions in print with students having to shift constantly from print to screen, the decision was taken to develop a series of “guide at the side” activities. The instructions would appear in the “instruction pane” on the left-hand side of the screen and the website or database that the students have to use would appear on the right-hand side in the “database pane.”

Surveys of students on two first-level courses provide insight into how effective and enjoyable they found this method of learning. These two courses are compulsory in the pre-registration nursing diploma and in the foundation degree in health and paramedic sciences. Results show that the majority of students found this method of teaching effective and enjoyable.

Keywords:

• interactive
• online tutorials
• information literacy
• guide at the side