Course Overview

Digital libraries are learning spaces which serve social and intellectual roles in bringing together people and ideas. New teaching and learning methods which are more “student centered” are forcing a new focus on digital libraries. This MOOC is designed to introduce how digital libraries are important for learning. What is the role of a digital library when users can obtain digital resources from any Internet site? And what does this role change mean for the creation and design of a digital library space? 
There are many typologies of digital libraries but seems to be a general agreement that they can play three roles in education:

1. as a resource for teaching (i.e. for curriculum development)
2. as an environment for learning (i.e. enhancing student experience)
3. as an authoring space (i.e.again, in support of student experience).

The course is designed to be comprehensive but fundamental. By comprehensive we mean that the course illustrates all the components of a digital library but fundamentally, in a basic way. The course also provides a hands-on opportunity for learners to create their own digital library.

The course is primarily intended for:

• K-12 teachers at all levels, including elementary, middle, and high school teachers;
• Continuing education or in-service facilitators supporting teachers and faculty;
• Educators interested in educational technology and/or online instruction;
• Cultural heritage professionals wishing to be involved in participatory educational activities;
• Anyone with an interest in digital libraries.

This MOOC has 7 weeks of study time, with 8-10 hours a week of workload.

Video, interviews, Lesson Conversations: Each lesson will feature a number of videos and/or presentations, interviews to experts and observations highlighting a relevant topic of the lesson.

As part of the activities, you are welcome to share materials, opinions or experiences related to this course via the Conversation at the end of the lesson and via social media channels.

While it is not necessary, we encourage you to share your ideas and thoughts via Twitter using the hashtag #DigitalLibraryLearning and via our Facebook group.

Please note that although this program is offered to participants from around the world, many of the examples and experiences shared will be based on the education structure and processes of Europe. Participants will be encouraged to discuss their own country-based experiences in the Conversations.

All content on this course and all content created by yourself as part of the course, unless specified otherwise, is licensed under a Creative Commons.

Suggested Readings

Karen Calhoun. Exploring Digital Libraries. Foundations, practice, prospects. London, Facet, 2014

Newsletter del MOOC

Esploratori: Prima settimana

Ricercatori: Seconda settimana

Lettori e creatori: Terza settimana

Bibliotecari digitali: Quarta settimana

Learning Objectives

The MOOC aims to provide participants with the knowledge to take useful part in digital libraries. To achieve this, participants will learn some digital library terms and concepts, and learn about the learning role of digital libraries, the legal framework, the curation of digital resources, the practical requirements and facilities of digital collections. 

You will learn:

1. how to discover digital libraries, to create/curate and use digital libraries and sharing digital resource in the classroom to support teaching and learning;
2. the learning role of digital libraries which provide a virtual place for teachers and learners to meet outside the structure of the classroom. 

The MOOC will describe many digital libraries which have been originally developed for facilitating knowledge sharing and creation and make available digital library learning spaces. Over the MOOC we will cover the following topics:

• What is a digital library?

Introduces you to the basics of the digital library. You will learn how to identify the fundamental elements of a digital library and review examples taken from international and national projects.

• How can you use a digital library for learning?

Topic 2 focuses on access and re-use of digital library as you learn the steps in accessing and remixing a digital resource from a digital library. By the end of this topic, you will begin to understand the important steps and elements of using a digital library for learning. You will also learn to recognize the importance of selecting appropriate resources (images, texts, audio, video, etc.)  and the value of creating a digital library for your course.

• How can you create a digital library?

A step-by-step approach will be used to illustrate how digital libraries can be used to support your teaching as a part of creating a course digital library. By the end of this topic you will be able to plan your digital library supporting a interesting and innovative way of teaching.

• Associating resources and tools to evidenced learning needs

In topic 4, you will revise the final version of your digital library plan, publish it online and discuss with the course participants how it might be used in the classroom to support teaching and learning.

Outcomes

The course aims to provide participants with the skills and competencies to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital libraries and be able to explore, read, remix and share digital resources and tools available.

The participant at the completion of the MOOC will:

• understand how digital libraries can work for improving learning and teaching;?
• have advanced knowledge on how to access, remix, share a digital library for learning;?
• be able to create, manage and evaluate a digital library for improving learning.?

Certification and Additional Info

This course is offered with the option to earn a Course Certificate and 1 credit (ECTS) to be recognized by the International Master DILL (Digital Library Learning) jointly delivered by the universities of Tallinn and Parma

Course Structure

• Lesson 1 - Introduction and welcome!
• Lesson 2 - What are digital libraries?
• Lesson 3 - How can you use a digital library?
• Lesson 4 - How can you create a digital library?
• Lesson 5 - Associating resources and virtual spaces to evidenced learning needs

Teacher

Anna Maria Tammaro