Providing for the next generation: adopting interactive whiteboards in information literacy training

Abstract

The importance of Information Literacy (IL) training has long been asserted in library literature. However, convincing students that they need such training remains a challenge. Research has shown that one way of demonstrating the relevance of IL is to embed it within student's courses and assessments. Yet in order for training to be effective, it is also crucial that students are engage in the classroom and that they enjoy the learning experience. The Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) Library InfoSkills team, established in June 2005, coordinates IL training across the library service and aims to ensure that the programme is delivered as effectively as possible. As part of this mandate, the team is currently investigating strategies for integrating new technologies into classroom teaching sessions as a means of enhancing the student learning experience through engaging and interactive IL delivery. This paper will focus on the use of Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) in IL training and the success in adopting this new technology at MMU Library.