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Enhancing library access through the use of mobile technology:
the student perspective and practical implementation
Lynne Callaghan&
Ruth Charlton
Centre for Excellence in Professional Placement Learning
University of Plymouth
Order of presentation
Background to Centre and development activities
Construction of library guide
Student evaluation of guide and utility of mobile technologies for placement students
Background:
Centre for Excellence in Professional Placement Learning (Ceppl) one of 74 Centres for Teaching and Learning (CETLs) funded by HEFCE in 2005.
9 Development Activities: Specific areas of placement learning including: Assessment, Interprofessional Education, Enhancing Library Access and m-learning.
Enhancing Library Access
Aim: to enhance access to library based and electronic resources for health and social care students at the University of Plymouth whilst on placement.
Initial study: Qualitative focus group study with Social work, midwifery and emergency care students across South West Peninsula (Callaghan, Doherty, Lea & Webster, 2007)
Inequality
User education needs
Need for guide to centralise and improve accessibility to information and usability of resources
University
NHS
Social Services
The need for a guide....
The Ceppl m-learning project
Aim: To explore how mobile technology enhances students’ learning experience whilst on placement.
Construction of the library guide
Meetings with NHS librarians and Social Work Knowledge ManagersConsultation event with university and NHS librariansCollating information for guide Realisation that a printed guide would be useless
First steps to a solution
Mapping the information needed
Producing the web pages
Mobile technology!
Guide Design
Designed by Digital Arts Placement Student
Inclusion of interactive elements
Need for evaluation
Aims to: 1.Explore student perceptions of the utility of the electronic guide to access information regarding resources whilst on placement 2.Explore student perceptions of the potential use of mobile devices to access the guide whilst on placement.
Library guide evaluation
Workshops and interviews with 31 students from Podiatry, Physiotherapy, Dietetics and Learning Disability Nursing. Provided with macbooks, mobile phones and iPaqs in order to assess the utility of these devices to access the guide.
Evaluation Method
Students were asked to:
1.Evaluate the guide in terms of anything they would change or add to the guide
2.Evaluate the utility of mobile technologies to access the use the guide whilst on
placement by reflecting on their placement experiences.
Very supportive of guide and see it as a valuable resource whilst on placement
Additions to guide: Interactive map giving and allowing students to provide information re mobile and wireless coverage across region. Links to partner college library systems Links to NHS library catalogues Maps of clinics with information re bus times, accommodation
Guide Issues
SupportPeer Support
Suggestions for other useful websitesSuggestion of useful chapters etcStar ratings and book reviewsPost information re libraries further afield than Devon/Cornwall patchExperiences of placementsCross discipline
Technical SupportOnline tutorials for the use of electronic resourcesTechnical help for mobile devices, FAQs & ongoing technical support.
Mobile technology issuesAdvantages Internet access on placements without access Mobile devices will enable quick referencing/research between patients Phone better than laptop – security Having own access to internet via device would speed up work on placement Could brief yourself prior to meeting with a patient
“The phones are perfect as I didn’t have internet access on my last placement and found it extremely difficult to do any work.”(Podiatry student)
Mobile technology issues
Potential Disadvantages Training Cost Concerns re value of items and insurance May worry students as may be thought of as involving more work Student might feel behind if they have problems with technology
Conclusion Enable students to influence guide content
Provide information regarding devices and associated charges
Timely training and ongoing support
Further work and communication with:practice staffNHS librarians