Learn Where You Live: Delivering Information Literacy Instruction in a Distributed Learning Environment

Abstract

Distributed learning is becoming an increasingly common method of further education in post-secondary institutions and programs across Canada and internationally. Academic libraries are not immune to this trend, and many are reviewing and revising their teaching methodology. All learners require information literacy instruction that is relevant, engaging, and embedded in curriculum; in a distributed learning environment, however, the design and delivery of that instruction may need to be adapted to respond to the challenges of instruction to distributed learners. Through a literature review of distributed learning models in academic libraries and consultation with faculty and librarians at the University of Saskatchewan, this research will assist in determining distributed learning models and instructional design best suited for the provision of information literacy instruction within this environment, with a specific focus on reaching out to rural communities with emerging technological infrastructure.

KEYWORDS:

• distributed learning
• distance education
• information literacy instruction
• technology

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to acknowledge the support and contributions of Rachel Sarjeant-Jenkins, Assistant Dean (Client Services), University of Saskatchewan.