First Year Course Modules

Orientation Brief Web Tutorials · 5-10 minutes per tutorial (outside of regular class time)

All first year students should complete the Library and ITS-sponsored web tutorials: “Getting Started at Mac”. These brief tutorials give students a basic understanding of Moodle, the campus network, course folders, CLICnet, Reserves, and one article database. We recommend they be completed within the first two weeks of starting at Macalester.

Module Resources: Getting Started Tutorials

Library Research I · 60-90 minutes (during regular class time)

This is an introduction to library and technology resources, services and research strategies, including the evaluation of materials. We cover searching CLICnet, finding books and journals in the library, and searching for articles by subject. Students will also be introduced to network services and will be asked to apply what they've learned in the session. This is team-taught by Librarians and Academic Information Associates.

Module Resources: Request a First Year Module | More Info About Scheduling Modules

Library Research II · 60-90 minutes (during regular class time)

This session is for classes with a library research assignment. Students will be introduced to discipline-specific resources and will be given time to work with them. Content from some of the other modules listed below may be included in this session (for example RefWorks or Scholarly Communication).

Module Resources: Request a First Year Module | More Info About Scheduling Modules

Scholarly Communication & Intellectual Property · 60 minutes, or incorporated into Library Research II (during regular class time)

This session provides an overview of issues in scholarly communication, including what it means to be an author, how information is produced, and how information is used in an academic community. The session emphasizes the value of proper citation formats and style manuals. Intellectual property issues include what constitutes plagiarism in the academic environment and why copyright law matters. We also provide an introduction to personalized library and research resources and an overview of RefWorks.

Module Resources: Request a First Year Module | More Info About Scheduling Modules

Managing Information & Using RefWorks · 60 minutes, or incorporated into Library Research II (during regular class time)

RefWorks is a program that allows an individual, or groups, to download citations into their own database. They can then organize and store these citations, make annotations, and produce bibliographies in the citation style of their choice. This session may be scheduled outside class time, with a guarantee of at least 5 students attending.

Module Resources: Request a First Year Module | More Info About Scheduling Modules

Software Applications · 30-60 minutes, or as needed (instructors

This is a basic introduction to software applications. This is appropriate for any assignments requiring multi-media projects, presentations, posters, spreadsheets, word processing, or web pages. It may be scheduled outside class time.

Module Resources: Request a First Year Module | More Info About Scheduling Modules

*Special Video Modules (please note special scheduling options in this section)*

Classroom Discussions · 25 minute video

Macalester's Adrienne Christiansen offers tips to students regarding classroom discussion, including the most common mistakes made by Macalester students.

Oral Presentations · 25 minute video

Macalester's Adrienne Christiansen offers tips to students regarding oral presentations, including the most common mistakes made by Macalester students.

Module Resources: Schedule a Viewing Through Media Services | Contact Tom Browne for Streaming Videos in Moodle

What You Need to Do to Schedule a First Year Module Session

Decide on the module(s) you are interested in and either:

Request a First Year Module

Contact Beth Hillemann Directly (x6704)

[*For Special Video Modules, see scheduling options in that section above.]

Please Note

• Our schedule fills rapidly, especially in the fall.
• Please schedule early and be flexible about the dates you can meet.
• We find instruction is most effective when you are present in the class.
• If students are expected to do library research as part of an assignment it is best to schedule the session(s) for when students are really working on the assignment.
• We will be glad to consult with you about when the session may work best with your syllabus

Who May Be Involved

All sessions are taught by Librarians and/or Academic Information Associates (AIAs), specializing in your field or in the resources being taught. You will be contacted by the instructor(s) after scheduling your session(s).

Library Liaisons & AIA's for Academic Departments & Programs

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