Take a Stand Project
This project is a short "article" the explains why electronic materials are important for children and young adults. It should LOOK like an article (i.e., attractive fonts, colors, visuals) and be something that could be printed in a local newspaper, library newsletter, school newspaper, popular magazine, etc.
Keep in mind that this project must be powerful, yet concise.
I'd suggest around 750 words, but you can use more if you find it necessary to support your ideas.
You should cite YOUR pathfinder, database guide, and WebQuest as examples of the effective use of electronic materials.
The article should be written for the general public (or other educators or librarians), not just for your professor and classmates. If an "outsider" were to ask why electronic materials are an important part of today's libraries you should be able to point to some quality examples demonstrating why web resources, software etc. are essential to today's children and young adults. What makes electronic materials different from print materials? What makes them unique in terms of added value to a library? Be VERY specific. I want examples. Not just "databases are good", but WHY, what makes them better than traditional resources? Give me an example of how a specific database might be used.
Here's another way of thinking about your project. If you were asked to "defend" the electronic materials in your library program, what would you say in an article to your library or school board?
Paper Guidelines
Your SHORT argument should be 500-750 words.
Reflect on some of the following guiding questions as you develop your argument. You are not required to address each question separately. Instead blend them into your discussion. Be sure to use your projects and other resources found in the course to illustrate your points! Examples should be a critical element of your paper.
- What makes the electronic media different from traditional library resources?
- What are the unique, positive elements of electronic formats?
- What does the scholarly literature and research say about the use and importance of electronic materials?
- How can a participatory, electronic element expand an experience?
- What would be difficult or impossible using traditional library resources?
- How do the materials fit with the mission of the school and/or library?
- How does that approach that you took to presenting the electronic materials contribute to their effectiveness? For example, you might provide three different reading levels for the same content.
- How can the electronic materials meet diverse learner or patron needs or interests?
- How do the electronic materials blend with traditional materials?
Submission
Keep in mind that your project should be written more as an article and less as a "paper." In other words, it should be written for the global audience, not just for your instructor. Your project can be submitted two ways.
Option 1: Save the document as a web page and upload it to Oncourse or your own web server.
Option 2: Save the document in Microsoft Word and upload it as an attachment in Oncourse.
When your project is ready to grade, go to Oncourse and post a message in your Cohort group. Be sure to double check your web link or uploaded document to be sure it works!
After submitting your project, be sure to read the CONCLUSION page to learn about voting for your favorite!
Evaluation
Points will be awarded based on a checklist for this project.
Proceed to the Evaluation