Providing learning opportunities for teaching research information skills

Abstract

Abstract Information literacy skills can contribute to effective research, especially if it is linked to curriculum content. Since 1998 the Department of Information Science at the University of South Africa (Unisa), in collaboration with the Unisa Library Services, has been offering a post-graduate module in Research Information Skills (RIS). The module is generically structured, and can be offered at different levels of study for all courses. The benefits the module offers, the aims and outcomes and the learning content, as well as the learning opportunities are discussed. Special learning opportunities (eg a workshop, computerassisted tutorials and a Web site) are used to cater for the needs of adult distance learners acquiring these practical skills. A large component of computer illiterate students require additional special measures. A few suggestions are made in this regard.