About the TOR

Background

The TOR was designed to serve as a self-paced introduction to the technology and resources you will use in the GSLIS program. It will ensure that all incoming GSLIS students are prepared to use the technology required for their GSLIS classes, regardless of a specific LIS track to be taken. It was created by a faculty committee who specifically chose the format and content that is most pertinent to the LIS curriculum.

Please don't let the TOR's acronym or requirements intimidate you, it isn't meant to inspire fear. While it is necessary to complete the TOR quizzes and activities, keep in mind that this is a self-paced learning tool, and you can read and practice before you demonstrate your mastery of LIS-related technology. Due dates are strictly enforced, but seeking help, asking questions, and stopping by the GSLIS Tech Lab are also highly encouraged. Remember, we're all librarians (and librarians/archivists-to-be) here!

Learning outcomes

The Technology Orientation Requirement is guided by curriculum-wide GSLIS student outcomes and focuses on building technology skills and concepts that will be reinforced during your courses at GSLIS and afterwards. The Technology Orientation Requirement's specific learning outcomes are to:

• Develop or reinforce information and communication technology skills foundational to library and information science at Simmons GSLIS
• Analyze technology related problems and develop solutions drawing on a basic technology skill set
• Demonstrate knowledge of the foundational components of information retrieval, particularly in library and information science resources
• Identify and assess sources of professional information
• Demonstrate the ability to learn new technologies
• Demonstrate the ability to stay current with technology, information science and library science development

What does it involve?

reading the information on this site

You will be expected to read through this website, which is divided into three main sections: Parts 1, 2, and 3. Each section focuses on a different set of skills, and mastering these skills will allow you to get the most out of your GSLIS experience.

TOR Part 1 covers best practices in computing, and information on Simmons-specific technology and software.

TOR Part 2 explains how to search for information in the library. It introduces you to the Simmons Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), and to several library-related databases. It also touches on techniques for searching the Internet like a pro.

TOR Part 3 lets you dig in and get some practical experience in web design and wikis. It contains information about using HTML and FTP software to create and publish web pages, and provides information on creating your own wiki page and web page.

quizzes, assignments, and surveys

To help solidify the information you read on this site, you will be asked to complete quizzes and activities. These are located in the Simmons online course management system, eLearning, and you will be prompted throughout the readings when it is time to complete one of them. You must successfully complete all of the quizzes and assignments by the due date in order to pass the TOR. For a complete list of these activities and the number of points required to "pass", please see the Checklist and Grading Policies page.

using multiple browser windows

Since the TOR involves multiple websites, you will be expected to use multiple browser windows or tabs - one displaying this website, another displaying the quizzes in eLearning, and possibly more to access library databases or websites for particular questions. The plus-side of this is that it allows you to review the material on this site while you take the eLearning quizzes (no need to memorize every word!); eLearning only allows a user to be logged in to one window on one computer at a time, so if everything lived there, you would have to choose between the quiz or the readings. It is also a great way for students who may not be comfortable in the online environment to get used to multi-window browsing.

interactive tutorials

Motivated by feedback from previous TOR students, we have implemented multimedia content, specifically tutorials created with flash animation. While we are still experimenting with this method of delivery, we think it brings a bit more to the learning experience than static screenshots. Most of the tutorials do not contain sound, though full audio narration is coming soon. There is one tutorial in the TOR Part 2 section that does have full audio, so be prepared! If a tutorial is available for the specific section that you are reading through, it will be listed in the "Resources" section of the left-hand menu. Tutorials will open in a separate browser window and are designated by this icon:

Workshops and Other Assistance

workshops

Workshops covering the materials for Parts 1 and 2 will be held on Advising Day, and workshops covering HTML for Part 3 will be held at the beginning of the semester. All workshops will be held in either the GSLIS Technology Lab, Room P213, or the library room L-222, unless otherwise noted. You can sign up for workshops at http://gslis.simmons.edu/signup/. Select the workshop you want and sign in using your email username and password. You will be sent an email confirmation.

other assistance

The friendly staff in the Tech Lab are available to answer questions. If you are having trouble, you can always stop by P-213 or call (617) 521-2802 to speak with the Technology Reference Assistant (TRA) on duty. Alternately, you can e-mail gslis_tor@simmons.edu for help or to set up a one-on-one meeting.