Library and Human Geography Enhance Student Research Skills
In today's increasingly data-driven world, students need robust data literacy skills more than ever, and with the rise of creative assignments, understanding digital storytelling tools has become equally essential. The library is playing a pivotal role in bolstering student data literacy and digital storytelling skills by integrating these essential competencies into various courses through innovative workshops and collaborative projects.
Most recently, the library has extended its support to three faculty members in the Department of Human Geography: Fernando Calderón Figueroa, Julie Mah, and Nicole Latulippe. Through a series of meticulously curated workshops, David Kwasny, Data and Digital Literacy Librarian, and Sarah Shujah, Liaison Librarian for Human Geography, have facilitated the integration of data and digital storytelling tools into student academic repertoire.
Professor Figueroa: Census Data and GIS Library Workshops
In Professor Calderón Figueroa courses, the librarians have provided a CHASS database workshop and ArcGIS Online workshop. These sessions have equipped students with finding data, data cleaning, and visualizing data through geographic information systems (GIS). In this hands-on workshop, students learned fundamental GIS concepts, participated in a discussion to interpret maps by examining the data and story the maps are discussing, and finally create their own map. Professor Calderón Figueroa describes the support:
“Sarah and David have a dual role in this process. On the one hand, they facilitate workshops where students practice downloading and processing data. On the other hand, they familiarize students with the many resources available through the library: data repositories, gray literature collections, software workshops, and one-on-one support, among many others. Overall, the Sarah and David contribute to the holistic approach to research and skill development we aim to provide to UTSC social science students.”
Professor Mah: Data Literacy Workshops to explore Housing in Toronto
In Professor Mah’s research lab, librarians provided graduate students and research assistants with an ArcGIS Online workshop. This provided the students with essential GIS skills to examine eviction and housing in Ontario. In another Professor Mah’s course (CITC03), students were assigned the Library’s Foundational Data Literacy Skill modules to learn the basic understanding of using Excel, creating tables and visualizations. Students who completed the module series received CCR recognition. In addition, David provided a workshop on using Toronto Open Data so that students analyzed census data of neighbourhoods to understand various issues like housing and employment.
"To ensure that all students have the requisite data skills and knowledge to complete the final assignment in my housing course, I assigned certain modules in the Foundational Data Literacy course. The modules enhanced students’ knowledge of Excel and assisted in their learning experience."
Professor Latulippe: Creating a Library Collection of Student Storytelling on Treaty Responsibilities
Professor Latulippe has embraced the UTSC Library's Digital Storytelling instruction in GGRB18-ESTB02 and GGRD12 that focus on Land Back/Cash Back and relational modes of being and belonging. This has transformed students' learning and approach to knowledge sharing using digital tools like ArcGIS StoryMaps, infographics and videomaking. Students explored how they can integrate critical geography and narrative elements, providing a dynamic way to present research. David and Sarah are supporting Professor Latulippe in the next step of developing a library digital collection of these students' creative media-based stories.
“There is no other space and place like the library, where, as a faculty, I am encouraged and supported to do this type of creative teaching and digital scholarship partnership”
Contact us about data literacy and digital storytelling instruction! The U of T Scarborough Library is here to support you in designing creative assignments and providing information literacy instruction to support student research and creative outputs that include data, maps and storytelling.
Reach out to your Liaison Librarian to learn how you can get started with data literacy and digital storytelling in your classroom.