LIBR 281-12
Seminar in Contemporary Issues
Topic: Transformative Learning and Technology Literacies
Spring 2012 Greensheet

Dr. Michael Stephens
E-mail
Other contact information: Bb IM, etc. 
Office Hours: To Be Announced

D2L Information: This course will be available beginning 1-25-2011. You will be enrolled into the site automatically. I will send more information about course access as we approach this date through MySJSU.

Course Description

All information professionals will most probably be called upon to create or present some form of instruction in the scope of their jobs. Within information environments, this class explores models such as Mezirow’s concept of transformative learning, the USER model, and the Learning 2.0/23 Things program as well as developing concepts such as Jenkins' transmedia navigation. Coursework answers these questions:

• How can we promote transformative learning via technology?
• How can we design instructional experiences that have high value for library learners?
• What emergent technologies are enhancing the way we learn and navigate information?
• How can Learning 2.0 learning programs enhance staff devlopment?
• How can Personal Learning Networks (PLNs) enhance professional practice?

Course Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204 required. Other prerequisites may be added depending on content.

Course Objectives

Student Learning Outcomes
This class offers students a chance to explore library learning beyond bibliographic instruction. Upon completion of this class, students will be able to:

• Utilize models of engaged, technology-based learning within information positions of all kinds.
• Understand new types of literacies impacting the way we learn and consume information.
• Create a Web-based model of an user-focused, high value learning program.
• Utilize a personal learning network to enhance future professional practice.
• Apply critical thinking and methodologies for understanding and engaging learners within all information environments.
• Create and edit content for the Read/Write Web via various social technologies.

LIBR 281 supports the following MLIS Core Competencies:

• demonstrate proficiency in the use of current information and communication technologies, and other related technologies, as they affect the resources and uses of libraries and other types of information providing entities;
• design training programs based on appropriate learning principles and theories;
• demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for group work, collaborations and professional level presentations;

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Course Requirements

Assignments:

• Reflection Blogging: Ten 200 word minimum blog posts will serve as a reflection journal for the modules include in our course content. 20 points
• Learning 2.0/23 Things Adaptation & Implementation: In groups, students will adapt and create content for a Learning 2.0 program and implement the program for a  library setting. Adaptation: 30 points, Implementation: 30 points
• Online Personal Learning Network:  Students will design and curate their own online personal learning network throughout the semester. A media presentation or written report and resource list will share the details of the network. 10 points
• Participation & Seminar Engagement: Students will interact weekly via the course learning community, various social tools, and via optional online meetings. Students will be actively reading and commenting on others' blog posts. A final reflection post will allow students to self-evaluate their participation and engagement. 10 points

Detailed information and rubrics will be available on the course community site. Students will utilize a Wordpress-based community course site for blogging, sharing and interaction throughout the course.

Course Calendar
Dates  and topics subject to change as course is finalized

• Week 1 – Course Introduction / Readings
• Week 2 – L2.0 Prep / Learning & Instruction Theory
• Week 3 – L2.0 Prep / Transformative Learning
• Week 4 – L2.0 Prep / Teaching Tech
• Week 5 – L2.0 Prep /  The USER Method
• Week 6 – L2.0 Prep
• Week 7 – L2.0 Launch for all groups
• Week 8 – L2.0 / Personal Learning Networks
• Week 9 – L2.0 / Personal Learning Networks
• Week 10 – L2.0 / Personal Learning Networks
• Week 11 – L2.0 / Trans Media Navigation & Storytelling
• Week 12 – L2.0 / Games & Learning
• Week 13 – L2.0 / Learning Analytics
• Week 14 – L2.0 Course Wrap Up / PLN Presentations or Reports
• Week 15 – Flex Time / Course Reflections & Wrap Up

Course Grading
Grading will be based on 100 possible points. More information to come as assignments are finalized.

• Late assignments will lose 10% of point value per day late.
• If life circumstances require students to request an extension, please do so several days before the assignment is due.
• Communication and interaction throughout the semester via the course site is expected.

Textbooks and Readings

Readings for each course concept will be  posted on the course site. Students are encouraged to share articles, blog posts and sites they find with the class via their blogs.

Required Textbooks:

• Booth, C. (2011). Reflective teaching, Effective learning: Instructional literacy for library educators. ALA. Available through Amazon: 0838910521

• Richardson, W. & Mancabelli, R. (2011). Personal Learning Networks: Using the power of connections to transform education. Solution Tree Press. Available through Amazon: 193554327X

Grading Scale

The standard SJSU School of Information Grading Scale is utilized for all iSchool courses:

In order to provide consistent guidelines for assessment for graduate level work in the School, these terms are applied to letter grades:

• C represents Adequate work; a grade of "C" counts for credit for the course;
• B represents Good work; a grade of "B" clearly meets the standards for graduate level work;
  For core courses in the MLIS program (not MARA) — INFO 200, INFO 202, INFO 204 — the iSchool requires that students earn a B in the course. If the grade is less than B (B- or lower) after the first attempt you will be placed on administrative probation.  You must repeat the class the following semester. If -on the second attempt- you do not pass the class with a grade of B or better (not B- but B) you will be disqualified.
  
• A represents Exceptional work; a grade of "A" will be assigned for outstanding work only.

Students are advised that it is their responsibility to maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).

University Policies

General Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities of the Student

As members of the academic community, students accept both the rights and responsibilities incumbent upon all members of the institution. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with SJSU's policies and practices pertaining to the procedures to follow if and when questions or concerns about a class arises. See University Policy S90-5 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S90-5.pdf. More detailed information on a variety of related topics is available in the SJSU catalog at http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/catalog/departments/LIS.html. In general, it is recommended that students begin by seeking clarification or discussing concerns with their instructor. If such conversation is not possible, or if it does not serve to address the issue, it is recommended that the student contact the Department Chair as a next step.

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop, grade forgiveness, etc. Refer to the current semester's Catalog Policies section at http://info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/policies.html. Add/drop deadlines can be found on the current academic year calendars document on the Academic Calendars webpage at http://www.sjsu.edu/provost/services/academic_calendars/. The Late Drop Policy is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/policy/. Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for dropping classes.

Information about the latest changes and news is available at the Advising Hub at http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/.

Consent for Recording of Class and Public Sharing of Instructor Material

University Policy S12-7, http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S12-7.pdf, requires students to obtain instructor's permission to record the course and the following items to be included in the syllabus:

• "Common courtesy and professional behavior dictate that you notify someone when you are recording him/her. You must obtain the instructor's permission to make audio or video recordings in this class. Such permission allows the recordings to be used for your private, study purposes only. The recordings are the intellectual property of the instructor; you have not been given any rights to reproduce or distribute the material."
  • It is suggested that the syllabus include the instructor's process for granting permission, whether in writing or orally and whether for the whole semester or on a class by class basis.
  • In classes where active participation of students or guests may be on the recording, permission of those students or guests should be obtained as well.
• "Course material developed by the instructor is the intellectual property of the instructor and cannot be shared publicly without his/her approval. You may not publicly share or upload instructor generated material for this course such as exam questions, lecture notes, or homework solutions without instructor consent."

Academic integrity

Your commitment, as a student, to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University. The University Academic Integrity Policy F15-7 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/F15-7.pdf requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical Development website is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/studentconduct/.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 at http://www.sjsu.edu/president/docs/directives/PD_1997-03.pdf requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the Accessible Education Center (AEC) at http://www.sjsu.edu/aec to establish a record of their disability.

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