Basic digital courses about sources
This is a series of digital learning modules. The series introduces new students to what sources are, and how they should handle the sources.
The course is mainly based on examples from APA7th, but is transferable to other styles.
Summary
This nano-course covers the very most basic things a student needs to know before starting to work with sources at university or university college. It is aimed at inexperienced students. It can also be used with more experienced students who struggle with the very basics. So far the course covers questions such as: what are sources, what are reference styles, how to use Kildekompasset and how to cite.
Purpose
Norway has experienced a major challenge with students not knowing how to use sources in a responsible way. To remedy this, UiA has made a digital mini-course. The challenges we have seen particularly among some students are that:
- They think the textbook is the only source they can use.
- They do not understand what plagiarism is.
- They are unable to use Kildekompasset as a tool.
Learning outcomes:
Each part of the course teaches students different basic knowledge about sources and the use of sources. The most important things they should learn are:
- That there are many different sources, but not all of them are good for the student's purposes.
- That there are several reference styles, but they do not need to learn more than the lecturer says.
- That they can find support in resources such as Kildekompasset.
- How to cite both directly and indirectly in their own text.
The parts of the course
So far the digital course consists of four parts. These parts cover the most basic knowledge about sources. They may well be used in conjunction with other material.
What is a source?
This course module gives a surface-level account of some quality markers for good sources. The concept is broadened so that sources are not only academic articles. The course gives the student a simple checklist for a quality check.
Modality:
- Text
- Film
- Quiz (multiple choice)
What is a reference style?
This course module gives a short introduction to what reference styles are, taking APA7th as its starting point.
Material
- Text
- Quiz (Multiple choice)
How do you use Kildekompasset.no?
UiA, UiS and USN have developed kildekompasset.no, a tool for using APA7th and IEEE. This course module gives a short introduction to how the tool works and what it contains.
Modality:
- Film
How do you use quotation and paraphrase?
This course module covers practical questions about what the requirements are when a student is to use quotation and paraphrase in a text. The module takes APA7th as its starting point.
Modality:
- Text
- Quiz (Drag and drop)(Multiple choice)
- Film
Suggestions for use
1
Send out without further support
The courses are designed to be sent out to all new students without further support in direct connection with them. This can be done by email or through the LMS.
2
Send out ahead of teaching
It is possible to send the courses out either singly or together before teaching. This can ensure that students have basic knowledge before ordinary teaching
3
Use as part of teaching
An information specialist can ask students to complete a course during face-to-face teaching, ideally as a starting point for further discussion.
4
Revision after teaching
The courses can be sent out after beginner-level teaching to give students revision material.