Teaching Web 2.0 to Student 1.5: Effective Methods for Introducing New Information Tools

Contrary to the perception that undergraduate students are expert users of social networking and other Web 2.0 tools, reference and instruction librarians at St. Cloud State University have discovered that many students are unaware of Web 2.0 tools besides Facebook, Wikipedia, and YouTube. Drawing from classroom experiences as well as student feedback, this session will discuss ways to include Web 2.0 information tools such as podcasts, wikis, blogs, video streaming, social bookmarking, and RSS in information literacy instruction. The presenters will discuss techniques for introducing students to new information tools, ways to incorporate these tools into class assignments, and methods for evaluating the validity and usefulness of information presented via these tools. The presenters will also share what methods were less successful. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to share methods they use to keep aware of new technologies as well as ways they have incorporated Web 2.0 information tools into their own teaching