Barbara J. D’Angelo

Integrating and assessing information competencies in a gateway course

Information competency instruction is an essential component of the strategic mission of Fletcher Library at Arizona State University West. Instuction programs include drop‐in basic skills classes, course‐integrated instruction taught by subject librarians, and an online tutorial currently under development. From summer 1999 through summer 2000, faculty members and subject librarian for the Integrative Studies Program collaborated to integrate information competency instruction and assessment into the program’s gateway course. Two sessions were developed and taught by the librarian. A prelimanry assessment programms developed to evaluate student outcomes and to serve as the foundation of a future programmatic assessment program. This paper reports on the resulting sessions, the assessment, modifications made as a result of the information gathered and its place in the development of programmatic competencies.

Implementing a writing course in an online RN-BSN program.

Scholarly writing is an essential skill for nurses to communicate new research and evidence. Written communication directly relates to patient safety and quality of care. However, few online RN-BSN programs integrate writing instruction into their curricula. Nurses traditionally learn how to write from instructor feedback and often not until midway into their baccalaureate education. Innovative strategies are needed to help nurses apply critical thinking skills to writing. The authors discuss a collaborative project between nursing faculty and technical communication faculty to develop and implement a writing course that is 1 of the 1st courses the students take in the online RN-BSN program.