Using Electronic Media For The Teaching Of Basic Skills At University

Abstract This paper examines the development, implementation and evaluation of undergraduate key skills materials disseminated electronically via a web template, and notes the implications for information providers and librarians. A major finding was that lecturers (responsible for the site content) and students (the end users) differed markedly in their perception and evaluation of the system. Many of the advantages trumpeted by the former were dismissed by learners, who felt that online material gave them extra work, represented an abrogation of academics` teaching duties and shifted printing costs from the institution to the student. The paper concludes that more attention needs to be paid to user needs, from their own perspectives, user attitudes towards information provision, and to then tailoring material to take these factors into account. Ways in which information professionals might have a role to play in these respects are suggested throughout. Full article: Using electronic media for the teaching of basic skills: the Capabil-IT-y experience Ad-Lib: The Journal for Continuing Adult Education 16 October pp11-12