Experience of the organisation of distance learning for librarians.
V.K. Stepanov
Considering experience, opportunities and challenges of distance education in the field of Library and Information Science. The major experience obtained during distance learning course conducted in 1999 at the Distance Learning Centre. That course was intended for alumnae of Freedom Support Act Program and sponsored by IREX.
During the project has been created special web site -Distance Learning Centre (http://dlc.openweb.ru). Site included personal virtual working places for every student. Every working place contained texts of lectures, “library” (collection of links on particular topic), instruments (tools for practical studies), control tests, student’s personal mark book and link to site discussion group. At the time of the course students read lectures, used library and instruments for addition studies. If he/she had a question their were able to ask somebody in the forum. Time for investigation of one topic was restricted by two weeks. After defined date students received control tests which must be completed in a week. Answers must be sent to teacher before deadline.
Course included four topics: Internet Information Retrieval: Strategy and Methods, Bibliographical Resources on the Net, Internet in the Structure of Library Service and Influence of Internet on the Library as a Social Institution.
Project has been successfully completed and achieved results demonstrated both advantages and disadvantages of distance education. First of all it is possible to confirm that effectiveness of distance learning not much less that effectiveness of regular “real“ classes. Most students completed tests with very high marks. This form of education very comfortable for students and teachers and saves a lot of time and money.
Distance learning systems, of course, still has some challenges like difficulties with certification of students, “missing” students during the learning process, necessity to make personal contacts between teachers and students more intensive. But, the is no doubt, distance education in the nearest future will be developing very wide and dynamic. It could be applicable almost in any field of knowledge and educators should consider new challenges and opportunities very deeply.
Vadim Konstantinovich Stepanov - Associate Professor of the Social Communication and Bibliography Department, Library and Information Science Faculty Moscow State University of Culture and Arts, Ph.D. Areas of special competence: Internet Information Retrieval, Use of the Internet in the Reference Service in Libraries, Distance Learning in the Library and Information Science. Author of “Practical Lessons: Internet for librarians.-M.: Liberia, 1998” and many articles in Russian library and computer journals: “Library”, “Bibliography”, “Scientific-Technical Libraries”, “Computerra”, “Internet Planet”, “ComputerWorld Russia”, “ComputerWeek-Moscow” and in many other anthologies. Two times awarded grants from the USA Government for fellowship in American Universities. Individual member of the American Library Association since 1998. Language proficiency: English - good, Russian - native.
The Moscow State University of Culture and Arts provides training in fields of Library and Information Science, Culturology, Social Work, Folk Arts. Tel.: (095) 570-31 33, 570-04-77; Fax: (095) 570-04-44.