Undergraduate / Bachelors

Submitted by Aisha Conner-Gaten on February 9th, 2017
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Short Description: 

This instructional session coincided with a project comparing data from two cities for an Urban Studies 1000 level (Freshmen) course. The session provided a basic overview of Simply Map as a web-based application, described the data available within and its origins (Census, American Community Survey, etc.), two activities for creating and visualizing the data, and supporting materials for understanding the data including a libguide and deliverable handout.

Learning Outcomes: 

User will be able to: -To create a map using variable data in SimplyMap -To create a standard report using variable data in SimplyMap -To create a ring study using variable data in SimplyMap -Develop relationships between variable data in SimplyMap

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This session was conducted before the announcement of the course project that specifically calls for students to create SimplyMap reports to compare data across multiple locations for the Urban Studies course. Data found in SimplyMap can be used by students as maps, charts, and tables on a poster project to be completed at the semester's end.

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

Ensure that all users have SimplyMap access before the session begins. SimplyMap does have a user threshold for simultaneous access so contact the company to ensure enough seats for your session.

Collaborators: 
Suggested Citation: 
Conner-Gaten, Aisha. "Simply Map: Visualizing Census and Survey Data." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/simply-map-visualizing-census-and-survey-data.
Submitted by Sarah Vital on January 27th, 2017
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Short Description: 

A 90 minute session with first year students in the School of Economics and Business Administration. Covered areas included overview of difficulties in searching and algorithm bias. Emphasis was on the importance to being critical consumers of information and understanding searches are not neutral.

Attachments: 
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SEBAFYACLessonPlan2016.docxdisplayed 934 times12.33 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

Students are aware of the “algorithm bias” that is inherent in the technology of search engines (all search engines, from Google to library databases) and how this affects their search for information (and the concerns this bias has for social justice). Students understand ways to overcome this bias by 1) critically evaluating not just the individual resources found but also the search results in general , 2) using multiple resources for information retrieval, and 3) making use of experts and known, reliable sources

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This was a session for the required First Year Experience .25 credit course. All students have majors declared in Business Administration (including Marketing and Finance), Economics, or Accounting

Suggested Citation: 
Vital, Sarah. "Social Justice in Information- First Year Business Students." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/social-justice-information-first-year-business-students.
Submitted by Lisa Burgert on January 26th, 2017
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Short Description: 

Students will participate in a game-based learning scenario based on Net Neutrality. Participants will each assume the role of an individual vested in the issue (Chairman of the FCC, President of the U.S., CEO of telecommunications company, or Supreme Court Justice). They will form alliances, discuss issues, formulate a strategy, and briefly share their viewpoint with the hope of winning the game. The learning experience is student lead.

Attachments: 
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In Class Discussion Worksheet 1displayed 1062 times49.71 KB
In Class Discussion Worksheet 2displayed 825 times52.09 KB
Evaluation of the Gamedisplayed 779 times57.63 KB
Lesson Plandisplayed 911 times124.04 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will synthesize ideas gathered from multiple sources, and draw reasonable conclusions based on the analysis and interpretation of information of their biographical, corporate information, and research on Net Neutrality demonstrated through discussion with other stakeholders. (Research as Inquiry) • Students will recognize that a given scholarly work may not represent the only perspective on the issue by communicating with others during role-playing game with different opinions/viewpoints. (Scholarship as Conversation).

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This lesson was designed for the Library 103: Information Literacy 3-unit credit course. It is designed as a major research project involving role-playing over multiple weeks in a semester long class. This is the second part of a three part series. In part one students are introduced to the project and the “All-But-The-Term-Paper” assignment. Part three groups or individual students give their presentations, there is a ruling on who wins the game, and a debrief of the game. With modifications the lesson can be adapted to single 90-minute session.

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

This is student lead and directed. Students discuss, collaborate, and present the information.

Suggested Citation: 
Burgert, Lisa. "Social Justice Role Playing Game: Net Neutrality Lesson Plan- Part 2." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/social-justice-role-playing-game-net-neutrality-lesson-plan-part-2.
Submitted by Margaret Brown-Salazar on January 26th, 2017
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Short Description: 

Created by M. Brown-Salazar & G. Kessler Lee Saint Mary's College of Ca Library This lesson was developed to have students explore social justice issues in information found on the internet. It is based on Dr. Safiya Noble's work: Algorithms of Oppression. Simplified, we asked students to consider that when we seek information, we need to examine the perspective/privilege of the voices/sources of information and identify/understand whose voices are represented and whose voices are missing and how that impacts/influences our understanding. We used clips from a lecture by Dr. Noble to stimulate discussion and asked to students to critically examine results of google image searches as an illustration of inequities. Students created a shared file with images and thoughts that represented what they learned.

Learning Outcomes: 

Learning Objectives (include SMC institutional learning outcomes, ACRL Standards, Framework, or others) Students understand that when you Google search your bias, your results will match your bias (SMC: IERP 2) Students understand that Google is the dominant search engine. Students understand that most internet searchers believe the information they find is trustworthy, accurate, unbiased, credible Students understand that search engine algorithms are based on criteria for increasing advertising and marketing and not criteria to provide the best information available to answer their search query (SMC:IERP 2) Students can articulate the impact of this content/topic on them Students can articulate one action they might take to make the issue of social justice in information more apparent to others Framework: All: Research as Inquiry, Searching as Strategic Exploration, Information Has Value

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

Session integrated into the High Potential First Year Advising Cohort curriculum.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

In-class Exercise

Suggested Citation: 
Brown-Salazar, Margaret. "Social Justice in Information | First Year: High Potential Students." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/social-justice-information-first-year-high-potential-students.
Submitted by Elisa Acosta on January 25th, 2017
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Short Description: 

In an effort to provide students with an open space to learn about and discuss recent national concerns over “fake news,” the library offered four sessions of the workshop “Keepin’ It Real: Tips & Strategies for Evaluating Fake News” during a campus-wide Inauguration Teach-In on Friday, January 20, 2017. During this session, students had the opportunity to talk about how misleading news sources (encompassing misinformation, disinformation, click-bait, propaganda, etc.) have affected their views on civil discourse, specifically relating to the recent U.S. presidential election. By the end of the session, we hope students became more confident in their ability to use critical thinking skills to judge the reliability of news reports, whether they come via print, television or the internet.

Attachments: 
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Lesson Plan displayed 4363 times612.04 KB
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Activity #1displayed 3825 times143.59 KB
PowerPointdisplayed 2555 times496.98 KB
Handout / Activity #2displayed 2916 times185.37 KB
Handout / Activity #2displayed 3020 times126.82 KB
Activity #2 Answer Key / Additional Instructions displayed 3638 times15.7 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will practice techniques for evaluating the credibility of news stories.
• Students will reflect upon their reactions to stories and practice identifying and distinguishing between their emotional responses and logical analyses of the items.
• Students will learn the value of information and sources from multiple perspectives.
• Students will become credible, trustworthy publishers in the digital age (sharing news).

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

The campus-wide breakout sessions were from 11:00-12:30pm (1.5 hours). Faculty were encouraged to cancel classes 8am-12:30pm so that students could watch the Inauguration together and attend one breakout session.

• Inauguration Day Teach-in website:  https://web.archive.org/web/20180117195647/http://academics.lmu.edu/teachin/breakoutsessions/

The library decided to offer four 45-minute break out sessions. Approximately 90 students attended. Several staff members and faculty attended also.

• Library Breakout Session Description: 

https://web.archive.org/web/20170113072807/https://librarynews.lmu.edu/2017/01/keepin-real-tips-strategies-evaluating-fake-news/

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

Activity #2 could be spun off into a reflective assignment for students to critically examine their own news media consumption and information behaviors.

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

We had too much material for a 45-minute workshop. Perhaps 60-90 minutes is more realistic. Set aside more time for student discussion. As time marches on, choose a more timely "Fake News" story for Activity #1.

Suggested Citation: 
Acosta, Elisa. "Keepin It Real: Tips and Strategies for Evaluating Fake News." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/keepin-it-real-tips-and-strategies-evaluating-fake-news.
Submitted by Cristy Moran on January 19th, 2017
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Short Description: 

Students will generate a well-reasoned conclusion in a two-page paper in which they identify a "good" Internet source and a "bad" Internet source, using IL source evaluation terminology (outlined in CRAAP) to guide their writing.

They will then explain why the good source should be used to investigate the chosen topic, and why the bad source should not be used in their investigation.

Attachments: 
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Cristy_Moran_ClimateChangeCHM.docxdisplayed 1178 times14.96 KB
Evaluating Internet Sources Rubric.docxdisplayed 1081 times18.66 KB
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Cristy_Moran_CRAAP_handout.pdfdisplayed 1792 times668.5 KB
Cristy_Moran_Intellectual_Standards_handout.docxdisplayed 840 times15.77 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Student will critically assesses sources using various criteria terminology such as: currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, purpose, etc., and adequately examines each source.
• Student will identify various specific authority factors for each source such as: domain, URL, corporate author, “About Us” or “Contact Us” links; or author credentials.
• Student will clearly state reliability and appropriateness of the information for the specific information/ research need, and demonstrate adequate reasoning and/or justification for assessing each source.
• Student will articulate and apply the Intellectual Standards to guide reasoning.

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This lesson was created by a Chemistry professor for his Honors college Chemistry course. It has been enhanced for IL and adapted for our college's QEP (theme: critical thinking). It was also adapted throughout attending a Backwards Design class as an example (Library Juice Academy) thus the GRASPS instructional design tool was used.

Content will be uploaded into their online course shell (in the course management system) for them to view prior to an in-person library session. This will include a short library orientation video and another short using library resources video – both of which I created in the last year.

Students will attend a face-to-face library session – a full 75-minute class.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

For additional information about the Intellectual Standards, please visit www.criticalthinking.org for the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Model.

Assessment or Criteria for Success
(e.g. rubric, guidelines, exemplary sample paper, etc.): 
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Cristy_Moran_ClimateChangewAnswers.docxdisplayed 780 times21.27 KB
Suggested Citation: 
Moran, Cristy. "Evaluating Internet Sources - Climate Change." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/evaluating-internet-sources-climate-change.
Submitted by Cristy Moran on January 19th, 2017
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Short Description: 

Students will be expected to find evidence to investigate a pseudoscientific claim or conspiracy theory. For their graded assignment, they will be submitting a two-page paper to their Chemistry professor (the lead professor for this class in which I’m embedding). In their paper, they make a case that either supports the claim or rejects it. They will be expected to use both library and credible online sources for support.

Attachments: 
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Full Lesson Overview and Descriptiondisplayed 1102 times19.41 KB
GRASPS for Lesson (Suitable for Students) displayed 923 times16.44 KB
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Cristy_Moran_Intellectual_Standards_handout.docxdisplayed 781 times15.77 KB
Cristy_Moran_CRAAP_handout.pdfdisplayed 1048 times668.5 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will construct various search phrases for use in online and library search tools
• Students will use certain evaluation criteria (e.g. CRAAP) to assess the credibility of online sources
• Students will identify specific library resources (e.g. databases) relevant to the field of study or content area of claims in which to search
• Students will examine sources for relevance to their research question and search need (specifically, to determine credibility of claims)

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This lesson was created by a Chemistry professor, Dr. Perdian, for his Honors college Chemistry course. It has been enhanced for IL and adapted for our college's QEP (theme: critical thinking). It was also adapted throughout attending a Backwards Design class as an example (Library Juice Academy) thus the GRASPS instructional design tool was used.

Content will be uploaded into their online course shell (in the course management system) for them to view prior to an in-person library session. This will include a short library orientation video and another short using library resources video – both of which I created in the last year.

Students will attend a face-to-face library session – a full 75-minute class.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

See www.criticalthinking.org for relevant information about the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking Models.

Suggested Citation: 
Moran, Cristy. "Evaluating Claims: Facebook Edition ." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/evaluating-claims-facebook-edition.
Submitted by Cristy Moran on January 19th, 2017
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Short Description: 

Students will be exposed to various entry points of a sustainability topic in various formats. They will take notes as they experience those expressions on the Elements of Thought evidenced throughout. This in-class, two-part lesson includes an independent guided activity and a Think-Pair-Share activity for further reflection on source/ claimant evaluation.

Prior to this lesson, instructor will have chosen a topic relevant to their subject area or course content – Possible examples: food deserts, clean water in US, bee colony collapse.

Instructor will also have selected (commenting on this topic directly):
• One short-form video product (I.e. TED Talk, video essay, documentary clip, recorded speech, or other topical video informational product)
• One published essay, opinion editorial, or commentary
• One informative (unbiased) article or reference entry.
The duration of the in-class activities for this lesson is approximately 60-75 minutes. Length and difficulty of content should be considered when selecting the examples.

Attachments: 
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EXAMPLE QEP and IL Lesson - ENC1102.docxdisplayed 911 times15.04 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will closely listen and/or read information in order to recognize elements of thought
• Students will identify key components of written/ oral arguments for point of view, purpose, question at issue, information, interpretation and inference, concepts, assumptions, and implications and consequences
• Students will determine their information need (next steps for research) based on notes

Discipline: 
Multidisciplinary

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This lesson was created as a possible proposal for embedding in a freshman level composition course with a thematic focus on sustainability as a part of the college's QEP (theme: critical thinking). The theme for this lesson is highly adaptable, as are the individual sources. The Elements of Thought referred to throughout the activity are from www.criticalthinking.org and the Paul-Elder Model for Critical Thinking.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

Find additional resources on the Paul-Elder Critical Thinking models on https://www.criticalthinking.org/ctmodel/logic-model1.htm

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 
Suggested Citation: 
Moran, Cristy. "Critical Thinking in Action: Sustainability ." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/critical-thinking-action-sustainability.
Submitted by Laura Massa on January 5th, 2017
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Short Description: 

In small groups students give a presentation examining how the popular media reports scientific findings.

Attachments: 
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Science in the Media presentations assignment & rubricdisplayed 1599 times19.28 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Discriminate between scholarly and popular modes of knowledge through an understanding of the peer review process. • Engage critically and reflectively in scholarly discourse. • Exercise critical thinking in oral discussion and writing.

Individual or Group:

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

Before I introduce the assignment I ask students to rate how accurately they believe that the popular media reports scientific findings. After all of the presentations have been given, I ask them to rate this again, and engage in a bit of reflective writing. I ask them explain why their rating has stayed the same or changed, how they will approach science in the media moving forward, and what they think the main take-aways from this assignment have been. We then discuss those take-away messages-- which usually results in a much broader and deeper understanding of information sources.

Suggested Citation: 
Massa, Laura. "Science in the Media." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/science-media.
Submitted by Candice Benjes-Small on November 17th, 2016
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Short Description: 

As people rely more and more on social media to get their news, the filter bubble becomes increasingly problematic. In this workshop, students learn how to evaluate whether a news site is reliable. This group activity takes about 30 minutes and can be used for many different audiences by adjusting the examples used.

Attachments: 
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Evaluating news worksheet.docxdisplayed 12792 times16.96 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will be able to identify characteristics of credible news sources.
• Students will critically examine news sources to determine credibility.

Information Literacy concepts:

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

The workshop opened with an ice breaker, having students brainstorm three things they look for when deciding whether a news Website is believable. They did a quick pair-and-share, and then I recorded what they said on the white board. Next, I broke them into teams of two and asked each to look at two Websites and complete a worksheet. In our lesson, Source A was a Reuters news article and Source B was a Bipartisan Report article. Both are on the same story, although Source A correctly identifies it as happening in January 2016 while B plays it as if it just happened (October 2016). The worksheet included questions which showed similarities as well as differences. It took about 15-20 minutes for the students to complete the worksheets; then we discussed the answers. Talking points: Source A is a Reuters news report, while Source B is from a muckraking site. Both are on the same story, although Source A correctly identifies it as happening in January 2016 while B plays it as if it just happened (published Oct 2016).
Discuss which criteria made a difference in judging the credibility- and which weren’t important- notably, the domain name, the advertising presence,a nd the date were not significant.
Note that it’s best when the reporter has done the reporting themselves, not just repeating other media outlets’ reports.
Would people on the left be more willing to believe the bipartisan report because it fits into their worldview? We need to be careful to avoid confirmation bias: believing a source is legit because we want to believe what it says.
Opinion journalism is a good and valuable resource but it’s different from NEWS. With opinion journalism, you need to verify the facts in the story. In opinion pieces, they are making an argument and you need to analyze it.

After the discussion, I had students brainstorm three criteria they would now use to evaluate a news source. They shared out, and then I collected them for a quick assessment later.

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

Teaching Tips: After pairing up the students, have one look at Source A, while the other looks at Source B, and then compare the two to answer the worksheet questions. To find other sample articles, check out http://mediabiasfactcheck.com and Melissa Zimdars's list of unreliable news sites: http://tinyurl.com/j9tldck
Potential Pitfalls: When selecting an article, choose one that is controversial but not inflammatory to your audience

Collaborators: 
Suggested Citation: 
Benjes-Small, Candice. "Evaluating news sites: Credible or Clickbait?." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2016. https://projectcora.org/assignment/evaluating-news-sites-credible-or-clickbait.

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