Possible Wimba session topics

[I've updated the date on this older post for further discussion - DHL]
Folks,

As discussed yesterday, here is a list of possible Wimba session topics for your perusal. Please post your feedback/suggestions/additions to this blog entry (that way our conversation can all be gathered in one place rather than scattered all over in e-mails!).

My preference would be to start with the first 2 basic ones and expand to others from there over time. The idea behind most of these is to concentrate on students' practical needs (i.e., finding info, searching, citing sources). I would think a limit of say 5 people per session would be ideal. Let the group know what you think,
Dana

1. Start your Research (session would cover):

• How to get to library web site and how to contact librarians
• All Research Databases and Subject Guides (quick overview)
• Background information sources
• Journals and newspapers
• Books (catalog)
• Citation/style guide resources

2. Basic Search Strategy:

• Finding keywords
• AND and OR
• Quotes
• Parentheses
• Database limit options (peer-reviewed, date, full-text)
• Putting it all together (search examples)

3. Find Journal and Newspaper Articles:

• Multi-Database Search
• All Research Databases/Subject Guides
• FReD
• Basic search strategy

4. Find Full-Text, Peer-Reviewed Articles:

• What does peer-reviewed mean?
• All Research Databases
• FReD searching
• Database limit options (EBSCO, PQ, Gale)
• JSTOR and ScienceDirect (all peer-reviewed sources)

5. Evaluate Your Sources:

• Why evaluate?
• Things to look for (setting the "Rat TRAP"):
• Timeliness (when)
• Reliability (how)
• Authority (who)
• Purpose (why)

6. Search EBSCOhost:

• Getting to EBSCOhost
• Selecting databases to search
• Search interface orientation
• Limit options
• Results

7. Use the Multi-Database Search:

• Basic search
• Advanced search
• Choosing databases/subjects
• Results

8. Cite Your Sources:

• Importance of accurate citations
• Interpeting the citation
• Strategies for notetaking
• Where to go for citation/style guide information