********** 2nd CALL FOR PAPERS**********
1st International Symposium on
Networked Learner Support
17th-18th June 1996
Sheffield, England
Organised by:
Networked Learning and Work Research Group
Department of Information Studies,
University of Sheffield
Networked Learner Support
New electronic communication and information networks in higher education
create both the need and the potential to take new approaches to end-user
training and help. Networked learner support (NLS) is emerging as a new
professional practice, in response to the challenge to provide effective support
for all users in the use of networked resources.
Increasingly, those involved in NLS (whether based in the library or in other
campus services) are exploring the use of networked strategies to deliver end-
user training. For instance, much current activity exploits World Wide Web
(WWW) facilities and electronic mail for learner support across the campus
and beyond. The new professional role of NLS also entails:
* working increasingly in para-academic roles;
* working in increasingly converged learner support settings;
* contributing significantly to institutional culture change, in terms of
exploitation of the networked environment.
NetLinkS, a project funded by the Electronic Libraries Programme, is based
upon the premise that the electronic library needs a complementary
programme of electronic user education and training. The project aims to
support the development of NLS by co-ordinating a networked programme of
collaborative professional development. The symposium is being organised
by the Networked Learning and Research Group in conjunction with the
NetLinkS project.
The Symposium
The need to establish NLS as a new role within higher education, and to
develop effective NLS strategies, provides the focus for the Symposium. The
aim is to bring together those with involvement in NLS to share experience
and ideas, to raise issues, and to begin to define good practice. A key feature
of the Symposium is its recognition of NLS as a collaborative activity within
and between institutions, cutting across departments such as library and
computing services, teaching/learning support, staff development and
academic departments.
Proposals for papers will be welcomed on any aspect of NLS activity,
including, but not restricted to, the following:
* culture change: issues and strategies for the networked environment;
* design and evaluation of networked end-user training and support
strategies;
* pedagogic aspects of the provision of NLS;
* strategic and organisational issues in the provision and practice of NLS;
* professional development issues and strategies.
On-line conference
As a means of preparing the ground for the Symposium and extending the
debate, an on-line conference will be hosted for two weeks before, and one
week after, the event itself. Symposium papers will be made available on the
WWW, as background resources for on-line discussion activities.
Participants
It is anticipated that the Symposium will be of interest not only to subject
librarians and other library-based professionals, but to those with involvement
in NLS from other positions and perspectives, such as teaching/learning
support services, computer services, academic departments, distance learning
units, research and development projects, and others.
Workshop Format
The Symposium aims to provide an opportunity for people to meet and discuss
topics in an informal atmosphere designed to encourage interaction. To this
end, it will be organised around thematic workshops in which contributions
from linked perspectives will be grouped. Contributors will be asked to
present a shortened (20 minute) version of their papers for the workshops, as a
lead in to discussion with other contributors and participants. Full papers wil
l,
nevertheless, be required from contributors.
Publication
A selection of papers from the symposium will be published in a special issue
of the international peer-reviewed journal, Education for Information.
(December 1996).
Submission of proposed papers
Extended abstracts of proposed papers (of between 1,000 and 1,500 words)
should be submitted in English by January 31st, 1996. Abstracts will be
refereed by a panel chaired by Professor Tom Wilson, NetLinkS Project Head.
A brief biography of authors should be attached, along with a covering letter
stating the abstract title, authors (including the name of the contact person),
address, telephone number, and if available, fax number and email address.
The selected contributors should submit a full paper of approximately 4,000
words one month before the Symposium. The proceedings of the Symposium
will be published.
Proposed papers should not be submitted simultaneously elsewhere, and
should not have been published previously.
Important dates
Last date for receipt of extended abstract: 31st January, 1996
Notification of acceptance: 16th February, 1996
Full paper (with a Word or WordPerfect version on floppy disk):
17th May, 1996
Abstracts and enquiries should be submitted to:
Philippa Levy
Networked Learning and Work Research Group
Department of Information Studies
University of Sheffield
SHEFFIELD S10 2TN
Tel. (0114) 282 5088
Fax. (0114) 278 0300
Email: p.levy@sheffield.ac.uk
The Networked Learning and Work Research Group has a web page at:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/academic/I-M/is/lecturer/netlearn.html
Enquiries about the NetLinkS project can be made to:
Nick Bowskill
Research Associate, NetLinkS
Department of Information Studies
University of Sheffield
SHEFFIELD S10 2TN
Tel. (0114) 282 5095
Fax. (0114) 278 0300
Email: n.bowskill@sheffield.ac.uk
NetLinkS has a web page at:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/projects/np