An evaluation of the use of “guides at the side” web-based learning activities to equip students in health sciences and nursing with information literacy skills

Abstract

The Open University offers a range of health related programmes, including the pre-registration nursing diploma and a foundation degree in health and paramedic sciences. It is a requirement for students on these courses that they develop skills in finding, accessing and reviewing information. Library staff work with academics to embed activities into these courses that will assist students in developing these skills. To overcome the necessity of providing extensive instructions in print with students having to shift constantly from print to screen the decision was taken to place the instructions on screen, along side the actual activity. Within each of the side-by-side activities, the instructions appear in the 'instruction pane' on the left-hand side of the screen with the website or database that the students have to use on the right-hand side in the 'database pane'. The two sides of the screen are only lightly linked, so that to progress through the activity the students do have to do the work in the 'database pane', but with the instructions always in view. This paper will present results of surveys on how effective and enjoyable they found this method of learning from students on two first-level courses. These courses are compulsory in either the pre-registration nursing diploma or in the foundation degree in health and paramedic sciences