Information has value

TOPIC:

“Explore the psychological factors which lead terminally ill patients over the age of 50 in South Africa to request their loved ones to assist them to end their lives”

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will be aware of when to cite sources and when it is not necessary.
2. Students will be able to identify proper citation techniques in order to avoid plagiarism.
3. Students will know and understand the difference between open access, fair use, public domain and copyright

ACTIVITIES:

Activity 1:

1. Students will be divided into groups of 4 and they will be given an excerpt from an article on Assisted Suicide 
2. The articles details are as follows:Voltz, R., Nauck, F. & Radbruch, L. 2015, The desire to hasten death: Using Grounded Theory for a better understanding “When perception of time tends to be a slippery slope”, Palliative medicine, vol. 29, no. 8, pp. 711-719 
3. They will then be provided with 4 summaries of the article of which one did not commit plagiarism and the other 3 did. After analyzing the 4 summaries the groups have to identify whether the author of each summary committed plagiarism or not. 
4. If the summary contains plagiarism they need to highlight the plagiarized portion(s) and explain why it contains plagiarism. If it does not contain plagiarism they must also explain why it does not contain plagiarism.

Activity 2:

1. After identifying the parts that have been plagiarized the groups will have to attribute and cite precisely according to 3 different referencing styles to ensure the paragraphs are not in violation of plagiarism rules. These are the Harvard, APA and MLA styles of referencing. They must then highlight the differences between the styles. 
2.  Each group will be given handouts of examples of the 3 citations styles.

Activity 3:

1.      Each group will be provided with one of the 4 symbols below:

1.      They will have to look up what the symbol means and write a short paragraph describing the characteristics of what the symbol represents and its purpose. They will then have to present what they have found.

2.      Then they have to find 3 sources pertaining to the symbol and the topic and explain how they can/cannot use the source.

EXPLANATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE KNOWLEDGE PRACTICES AND ACTIVITIES:

1.  Activity 1 and 2 links with the first knowledge practice which states: “Give credit to the original ideas of others through proper attribution and citation” by understanding when to cite, how to cite and why citing needs to take place. Students will also learn proper citation methods. 
2.  Activity 3 links with the knowledge practice which states: “Articulate the purpose and distinguishing characteristics of copyright, fair use, open access and the public domain” by understanding the symbols; their meaning and characteristics and how to use the information governed by each of these licenses.

Search as strategic exploration

Searching as Strategic Exploration refers to the understanding that information searching is usually not straight forward and it is iterative, requiring the evaluation of a wide range of information sources and the mental flexibility to pursue alternative lines of research or questions as new understanding about a topic is developed. Serendipity plays a big role in the searching process. Stumbling on relevant information or that perfect piece of information on your topic just by browsing using various search tools is what is meant by serendipity.

         The following sources I found helpful in understanding the frame better, although it was explained well in class and it is quite straightforward. I liked Lane Wilkinson’s comments and the way he unpacks the frames is always awesome and makes understanding the frame better. But I also appreciate the comments made on his blog about the frame as it gives various scholars understanding of the frame. And what I particularly enjoy is that they do not always agree and they then go on to motivate their stance. So I am sure you know his Blog but here is the link nonetheless https://senseandreference.wordpress.com/2014/07/29/is-searching-exploration/

Then there is the following libguide created by PALNI. I like the way it aligns the frame with the relevant Standards and I also think the links provided to various other interesting sources is quite helpful. It also has a link to the final ACRL document regarding the Framework which was filed by the ACRL Board in Feb this year. I suggest you take a look at it guys!  http://libguides.palni.edu/c.php?g=185459&p=1225561

3     Thus far I think I have done my share in participating in the class. But in the same breath I feel I should prepare more, however between all the assignments, activities, group work and being employed full-time, I find it quite difficult. I feel I have grasped the Frames quite well, I just hope my understanding is good enough to submit an awesome final project. 

4     My classmates and I have been working as a team for the most part of this year. We have really carried each other through and it has been an amazing experience. I am one of 5 students who are completing our final 5 modules and I must say compared to last year, we are one hell of a team!