The Credo InfoLit Learning Objects
Preview the each of the Credo InfoLit videos, tutorials, and quizzes below, and use the direct links in your classes.
(You can also incorporate these materials directly in your Canvas courses using LTI links. See: Adding Credo InfoLit Content to Canvas.)
Getting Started with Research
- Tutorial: Why Information Literacy Matters
Use this tutorial to show students how information literacy is relevant to their day-to-day lives. Students will become familiar with their own information seeking habits, privilege, and skills used in their personal, academic, and professional lives. - Video: Life in the Information Age
Technology is changing the way we locate, analyze, and share information. Use this video to introduce students to the evolving information landscape and their roles as responsible information consumers and creators. - Video Tutorial: Research Process Part 1 (Pre-Research) and Part 2 (In-Depth Research, Outlining, and Writing)Video 1 demonstrates the value of pre-research. Students will learn how to align their initial exploration to their assignment requirements. Video 2 will walk students through the process of in-depth research, outlining, and writing. This video will also help students understand the cyclical nature of research.
- Tutorial: Developing a Research FocusIn this tutorial, students will be introduced to pre-research techniques to determine the scope and depth of their research focus.
- Video: How to Narrow Your TopicDo your students have trouble selecting a topic for a research assignment? This video will outline the process to help students hone in on a compelling research topic with appropriate scope using strategies like strategic searching. Students will also understand the importance of open mindedness and flexibility in the research process.
- Tutorial: Background Research TipsDetermining a manageable research question can be challenging for students. Use this tutorial to introduce strategies for aligning a research focus with assignment guidelines and research tools such as concept maps.
- Video Tutorial: Beginning Research with Wikipedia and GoogleVideo 1 will help students understand the process of background research by introducing techniques for gathering background information using Google and Wikipedia. In video 2, students will learn how to use their search results from Google and Wikipedia to gather additional information using Google Scholar and library databases.
- Video: Thesis StatementsUse this video to help students identify the purpose of their research efforts and construct evidence-based statements. Students will learn how to narrow in on a topic, conduct background research, and synthesize the existing body of evidence in order to craft a compelling argument.
- Quiz: Thesis Statements
This quiz corresponds with the Thesis Statements video. - Tutorial: Scholarship as ConversationUse this tutorial to encourage students to develop a scholarly mindset. In this tutorial, students will learn how their projects help build the body of work in a given field. Additionally, students will become familiar with the process of attribution and critical evaluation.
- Quiz: The Research ProcessThis quiz corresponds with the Research Process videos.
- Tutorial: Research for Persuasive WritingThis tutorial will introduce students to the purpose and characteristics of persuasive writing in order to locate and select the most appropriate types of evidence to support their assignments. Students will also be able to evaluate both supporting and conflicting evidence in order to incorporate the appropriate types of evidence that will strengthen their position and present a nuanced view of their selected topic.
- Video: Creating a Research PlanInformation overload can be a major roadblock in the research process. This video will help students conceptualize a research pathway and consider solutions to common research challenges.
- Video: Framing a ProblemIf your students are having trouble formulating a research question for assignments, start with this video to help students begin the framing a problem. Students will learn the importance of asking open-ended questions and how to approach research as a process.
- Quiz: Research StrategiesThis quiz corresponds with the "Creating a Research Plan" and "Framing a Problem" vidoes.
Sources of Information
- Video: Data, Information, and KnowledgeThis video defines and explains the differences and relationships between data, information, and knowledge, and how each might be used or encountered in research.
- Video: Primary and Secondary ResearchThis video illustrates the differences between primary (original) research (with a focus on methods used in sciences and social sciences) and secondary research, and the ethical considerations associated with each.
- Video: Peer ReviewThis video will provide students with an understanding of what peer review means, how the process works, why it is an indicator of quality, and how to locate peer-reviewed sources during their research process.
- Quiz: Peer ReviewThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on peer review.
- Video: Types of SourcesThis video provides students with a helpful overview of the wide variety of source types they may encounter during research. In addition to defining and describing different source types, it also addresses how to select the appropriate source for their information need, analyzing the capabilities and constraints of different source types, and how to determine source quality.
- Video Tutorial: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary SourcesIn this tutorial, students will be introduced to the characteristics and purposes of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. Students will come away with a deeper understanding of the applications of each source type so that they can locate, evaluate, and analyze a range of sources for their academic assignments.
- Quiz: Primary and Secondary SourcesThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on primary, secondary, and tertiary resources.
- Tutorial: Source TypesStudents will be introduced to a variety of source types that they may encounter during their research. Use this tutorial to help students locate and evaluate relevant sources to meet their research needs.
- Quiz: Types of SourcesThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on source types.
- Tutorial: How to Read Scholarly MaterialsDo your students feel intimidated by scholarly materials? This tutorial will walk students through the types and components of scholarly materials as well as strategies for strategic reading.
- Video: How to Read Scholarly MaterialsDo you feel intimidated by scholarly materials? Use this video to get familiar with these valuable resources and learn tips for approaching, analyzing, and integrating scholarly materials into your projects.
- Tutorial: Selecting Appropriate Digital SourcesThis tutorial will help students identify their information need in order to locate and assess relevant resources. Using the techniques in this tutorial, students will also be able to distinguish among types of online sources in order to select this most appropriate for their information need.
Searching for Information
- Video Tutorial: Searching as Exploration Part 1 (The Searching Mindset) and Part 2 (Exploration Strategies)Part 1 introduces students to the mindset of searching as exploration. Students will be able to distinguish between targeted and exploratory search, plus the most effective approaches to each. Part 2 digs deeper into exploratory search strategies. Students will learn how to craft a search statement and the importance of neutral language.
- Video: Choosing a DatabaseStudents can use this video to receive guidance on how to select the best database(s) for their information need and assignment requirements.
- Quiz: Choosing a DatabaseThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on choosing databases.
- Tutorial: Choosing and Using KeywordsThis tutorial will walk students through the process of selecting, refining, and expanding their collection of search keywords in order to locate the most relevant information to their research topic.
- Quiz: Choosing and Using KeywordsThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on keywords.
- Tutorial: Search Techniques, Part 1Use this tutorial to familiarize students with strategic searching. Students will learn the purpose and uses of natural language and Boolean operators to broaden and narrow the scope of their search.
- Tutorial: Search Techniques, Part 2Students will learn strategic search approaches to navigate scholarly databases. Use this tutorial to introduce advanced search techniques for broadening and narrowing the scope of a search.
- Video: Refining Search ResultsUse this video to help students navigate the search process. Students will learn techniques to conduct effective background research using multiple keywords in order to narrow in on a research focus.
- Quiz: Search TechniquesThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on searching techniques.
Evaluating Information
- Video: What is Authority?Use this video to introduce students to the concept of authority, how it relates to research, source selection, evaluation, and attribution.
- Video: Introduction to BiasThis video introduces the idea of bias and prejudice and the importance of awareness of one’s own bias and the bias of others when evaluating sources and situations, and responding to arguments.
- Video: Types of BiasThis video builds on the introduction to bias video by discussing specific types of bias such as social bias, confirmation bias, and communal reinforcement.
- Quiz: BiasThis quiz corresponds with the video on bias.
- Video: Evaluating SourcesUse this video to encourage students to think critically about the information they encounter in print and online. Students will become familiar with strategies for evaluating sources based on these criteria: authority, accuracy, currency, relevance, and objectivity.
- Tutorial: Evaluating InformationStudents will learn how to evaluate a range of resources in order to select the most authoritative sources on their research topic.
- Quiz: Evaluating InformationThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on evaluating information.
- Tutorial: Choosing the Best Web SourceWith so much information available online, it’s important for students to be able to locate reliable, high quality information. Use this tutorial to introduce strategies for navigating the open web and evaluating web sources.
- Video Tutorial: Understanding MisinformationThis video will help students identify the characteristics and purpose of misinformation as well as its effect on their personal and academic lives.
- Quiz: MisinformationThis quiz tests students on concepts covered in "Video Tutorial: Understanding Misinformation"
- Tutorial: Evaluating Sources for Diverse Points of ViewUse this tutorial to introduce students to the practice of differentiating between dominant theories and perspectives that are underrepresented in scholarly and everyday sources. The goal of the lesson is to encourage students to seek out multiple relevant and credible perspectives in order to develop a nuanced understanding of the issues that are important to them.
- Tutorial: Evaluating Digital Sources Using Lateral ReadingThis tutorial will introduce students to the practice of lateral reading. Students will learn how to evaluate online materials by digging deeper into the origins and motives behind sites. Students will also have the opportunity to practice lateral reading on their own through a guided activity.
- Tutorial: News Reporting vs. Opinion Pieces in JournalismThis tutorial will help students differentiate between news journalism and opinion journalism in order to analyze the purpose, standards, and expectations related to reporting and editorializing.
- Tutorial: Fact-CheckingIn this tutorial, students will get an overview of the purpose of fact-checking as well as professional strategies to apply to their own interactions with scholarly and everyday sources of information. Included video introduces students to the practice of fact-checking and the related concept of accuracy in reporting.
Presenting and Organizing Information
- Video: SynthesisThis video focuses on strategies for writing a strong paper that brings together ideas from multiple sources, including identifying main ideas, and paraphrasing and summarizing techniques.
- Tutorial: Synthesizing Information for Academic WritingThis tutorial defines and explores information synthesis, including strategies for bringing together ideas and facts from multiple different sources at various stages in the research process, including background research and note taking, annotated bibliographies, and outlines. It also reviews different examples of final products of synthesis, such as literature reviews, persuasive essays, and research papers.
- Quiz: Synthesizing Information for Academic WritingThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on synthesizing information.
- Video: Anatomy of a Research PaperThis vdeo provides students with an overview of the basic structure of a research paper.
- Quiz: Anatomy of a Research PaperThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on writing research papers.
- Video: Writing HelpUse this video to help students craft clear and effective written assignments. Students will review the value of sentence variety and the importance of proofreading their work.
- Tutorial: Paraphrasing, Quoting, and SummarizingThis tutorial provides students with an overview of paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing depending on the goal of their writing, plus how to accurately represent their sources.
- Tutorial: Annotated BibliographyUse this tutorial to introduce students to the purpose and components of an annotated bibliography. Students will become familiar with the three types of annotations as well as the formatting requirements for a completed annotated bibliography.
- Video: Academic WritingThis video will encourage students to think about their role as academic writers. Students will also learn about the importance of background research and considering mutliple perspectives when joining the scholarly conversation.
- Tutorial: Presenting SkillsIn this tutorial, students will learn how to prepare an effective presentation. The included videos offer tips for structuring presentation content, managing body language, and setting up a virtual presentation.
- Tutorial: Study SkillsThis tutorial will introduce learners to the habits of successful students. After an overview of the types of studying students might engage with during their academic career, the tutorial walks students through specific techniques related to note taking, organizing coursework, and studying in a group setting.
- Video: Understanding the Communication NeedUse this video to help students analyze the purpose of communication methods. Students will be introduced to the advantages and disadvantages of each in order to choose the best type for a given situation.
- Video Tutorial: Oral CommunicationUse this tutorial to walk students through the components of oral communication: content, audience, and the elements of speech. Students will come away with strategies for getting their point across clearly and appropriately in everyday and formal settings. Included video, "Using Your Voice," illustrates the different elements of speech such as pitch, timbre, and register that impact the way a verbal message is received by its audience.
- Quiz: Writing and CommunicationThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on writing and communication.
Citations
- Tutorial: Why Citations MatterThis tutorial provides an overview of why it is important to cite sources, and an explanation for why different citation formats and citation styles exist.
- Tutorial: APA 7th Edition Citation StyleStudents will be able to identify the required elements of APA 7th edition citation style in order to properly format in-text and reference list citations in their assignments. The tutorial includes several “check your understanding” questions with drag and drop exercises where students can format citations of different source types properly.
- Quiz: APA 7th Edition CitationsThis quiz covers the material in the APA 7th edition tutorial.
- Video: MLA 9th Edition Citation StyleUse this video to provide students with an overview of the MLA 9th edition citation style, including an explanation of the “container” concept and an overview of using the citation style for popular source types such as books, websites, and journal articles.
- Tutorial: MLA 9th Edition Citation StyleUse this tutorial to provide students with an overview of the MLA 9th Edition citation style, including both in-text citation format and works cited format. Tutorial provides an explanation and examples of different sources using the container concept introduced in MLA 8, and also includes several “check your understanding” questions with drag and drop exercises where students can format citations of different source types properly.
- Quiz: MLA 9th Edition CitationsThis quiz corresponds with the MLA video and tutorial.
- Video: Turabian Citation Style 9th Ed.Use this video to provide students with an overview of Turabian citation style, including common source types such as books, journals, and websites.
- Quiz: Turabian CitationsThis quiz corresponds with the Turabian Citations video.
- Video: Harvard Citation StyleThis video provides an overview of the Harvard referencing style, which is common at universities in the UK. It includes an introduction about the importance of citations and describes conventions for popular sources such as books, websites, and journals.
- Video: Chicago Style 17th ed. JournalsThis video is one of three videos on the Chicago Style of citations, focusing on journals (see the companion videos for information on book and website citations). It focuses on the note-bibliography style.
- Video: Chicago Style 17th ed. Books and ebooksThis video is one of three videos on the Chicago Style of citations, focusing on book citations (see the companion videos for information on journal and website citations). It focuses on the note-bibliography style.
- Video: Chicago Style 17th ed. Websites and Social MediaThis video is one of three videos on the Chicago Style of citations, focusing on web resources (see the companion videos for information on book and journal citations). It focuses on the note-bibliography style.
- Quiz: Chicago Manual of Style 17th EditionThis quiz covers the material in the videos on Chicago Manual of Style 17th edition.
Visual and Quantitative Literacy
- Video: Searching for ImagesTo be an effective communicator using visual information, students first need to develop the skills necessary for locating images. Use this video to introduce students to strategies for locating images and get familiar with image databases or subject-specific collections accessible through the library.
- Video: Interpreting ImagesInterpreting visual information is a critical skill students will use beyond their academic careers. Use this video to encourage students to ask questions and consider context when interpreting visuals.
- Tutorial: Why Does Visual Literacy Matter?This video will introduce students to the role visual materials play in their daily lives and the skills they will need to communicate quickly and universally using images and media.
- Quiz: Visual LiteracyThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on visual literacy.
- Tutorial: Introduction to Geographic Literacy and MapsThe tutorial provides students with an introduction to geographic literacy with a focus on maps, including key map components, different types of maps, how maps can be used as sources of information, and how to think critically about them. The included short video will introduce students to the importance of geographic literacy and its relevance to students' daily lives, academic and professional careers.
- Video: Using Quantitative DataUse this video to help students incorporate quantitative data in their research and evaluate available sources for currency, accuracy, authority, relevance, and objectivity
- Video: Evaluating StatisticsStatistics are widely used to support arguments and positions. Use this video to encourage students to think critically about how the statistics they encounter were created and used to convey information.
- Quiz: Quantitative ReasoningThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on quantitative reasoning.
Using Critical Thinking and Logic
- Video: Why Thinking MattersBeing aware of the critical thinking process will help students develop strong decision making skills. Use this video to encourage students to develop awareness of their own critical thinking habits.
- Video: InquiryUse this video to introduce students to the value of using an inquiry-based mindset. Students will learn how to use inquiry to ask questions and solve problems thoughtfully and effectively.
- Tutorial: Logical ReasoningUsing this tutorial, students will learn how to draw connections between logical reasoning and critical thinking in order to evaluate the objectivity of an argument and its supporting evidence.
- Video: Evidence-Based ReasoningUse this video to introduce students to the importance of supporting research conclusions with evidence. Students will also learn how to assess their research question in order to locate the appropriate supporting evidence.
- Tutorial: Analyzing InformationThis tutorial will introduce students to the analysis process by encouraging open-mindedness, critical thinking, and curiosity.
Information Ethics
- Tutorial: Academic IntegrityIn this tutorial, students will learn how to apply principles of academic integrity to their daily lives, by recognizing the value of information and their own responsibilities as users of information. The tutorial contains two videos which will introduce students to the importance of approaching research as an encounter with ideas, acquiring information from a range of sources, and looking at issues from a range of perspectives in order to achieve a full understanding of their topic.
- Tutorial: Information Has ValueUse this tutorial to introduce students to the ACRL Frame Information Has Value. Students will become aware of their roles as information creators and consumers and learn how issues like copyright and the digital divide affect their academic and personal lives.
- Tutorial: CopyrightUse this tutorial to introduce students to the purpose of copyright protections, the definition of public domain, and the concept of fair use.
- Video: PlagiarismThis video provides examples and explanations of specific types of plagiarism, such as cloning, aggregation, and self-plagiarism, as well as strategies to prevent plagiarizing and a reminder of the possible consequences of academic dishonesty.
- Tutorial: Digital PrivacyThis tutorial will introduce students to the idea of digital privacy and their responsibilities as information users. Students will analyze how they engage with online tools and services and consider ways to protect their personal information, plus the limits of what individuals can do to protect their privacy.
- Quiz: Information EthicsQuiz: Information Ethics This quiz corresponds with the multimedia on academic integrity and plagiarism.
- Tutorial: Introduction to Digital CitizenshipUse this tutorial to help students to consider what it means to be a digital citizen and start to examining their relationship with information in online spaces.
- Tutorial: Digital Citizenship in PracticeIn this tutorial, students will examine strategies for applying digital citizenship practices to their daily lives. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own personal code ethics to help them apply responsible information habits outside of the classroom.
- Quiz: Digital Citizenship in PracticeUse this quiz to assess students' understanding of the role digital citizenship plays in the classroom and their personal lives.
Culture and Citizenship
- Video: Introduction to Cultural IssuesUnderstanding their own cultural identity is the first step for students to develop empathy for others from different backgrounds. Use this video to encourage students to consider how their identity is affected by culture and world events.
- Video: Global CitizenshipThis video will introduce students to their roles as global citizens by encouraging them to think critically about their daily actions in a global context.
- Quiz: Culture and CitizenshipThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on culture and citizenship.
- Video: Introduction to Civic EngagementPart of being a responsible, informed citizen is engaging with the goals and challenges of the community. Use this video to help students begin reflecting on ways they have been (or could be) involved with civic issues in their community.
- Video: Introduction to Civic ActionEffective communication is a key part of successful civic action. Use this video to introduce students to the fundamental role communication plays in the stages of planning, implementing, and discussing civic action.
- Quiz: Civic Engagement and Civic ActionThis quiz corresponds with the multimedia on civic issues.