Online Teaching & Learning Resources

Across campus NCSU instructors are seeking ways to enhance teaching and learning through the use of technologies that extend instruction beyond the classroom or even completely replace the face-to-face learning experience. Increasing numbers of instructors are turning to online course environment options such as the learning management system Vista or Wolfware , NCSU?s course locker system. Others are creating their own websites.

Through these online course environments, students have access to a range of course-related materials such as syllabi, notes, tests, and quizzes. In Vista, students are also able to partake in online class discussions using threaded discussion boards and chat rooms.

Many students will find links to important library resources and services within these online learning environments. Their instructors have partnered with librarians to provide links to course readings available online through the Libraries? e-reserves system, bypassing the need to visit the Libraries? website to search for the readings. Some students will find web pages of course- and assignment-appropriate information resources recommended by a librarian and tips for using them. Links to popular student-focused tools such as the Citation Builder , Paper Writing Toolkit , and Assignment Calculator , and services such as Ask a Librarian might also be integrated into the course materials.

In some cases, librarians have worked closely with the instructor to provide course content related to finding, accessing, and evaluating information. This integration of library resources, services, and instruction into the online course environment brings the library into the virtual classroom and helps students discover new tools to support their learning.

Instructors using Vista may request links to library resources and e-reserves by using the Library Resources checkbox available in the workflow for requesting a Vista course space. Checking this box will initiate communication with librarians who can help. To explore additional options for incorporating library resources, services, and information skills instruction into an online learning environment, please contact Kim Duckett, Principal Librarian for Digital Technologies and Learning, kim_duckett@ncsu.edu or 513-3653.