Back to School – Virtually

Seeing as how it’s back to school time, I thought I should blog a bit about my school, Northumbria University, located in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the UK. The strangest part about this MLIS program is that I’ve never actually seen the campus (well, I have seen a brochure of 18 year-old models decked out in the trendiest clothing hanging about campus – good thing I’m studying via distance education – I’d never fit in).

This is my third degree and I’m glad I chose to do it through an entirely online program. I felt I’d done my fair share of sitting in stuffy classrooms and I wanted to learn a bit more on my own terms. The other day, I spoke about this program with a recently retired, highly respected librarian. His reaction: “I don’t believe in those programs! You don’t learn how to discuss issues”.

I realize a lot of people agree with him and I knew I’d be risking their lack of respect by attaining my MLIS in this fashion. I don’t believe this program is for everyone – I definitely miss crying on my fellow students’ shoulders about too big assignments due in too little time. And I do think classroom discussion is a valuable skill that everyone should learn. But, like I said, I felt I’d been there, done that. And, there is a lot to learn from this method of study that you just don’t get in the classroom.

Pros

• I don’t have to commute 3 hours/day to attend the closest MLIS school.
• Studying on my own time (which usually ends up being all the time when I’m not working).
• Learning how to discuss in a virtual world. Let’s face it: our world is becoming increasingly reliant on technology for communication and I want to know how to use it. Interestingly, online discussions can often be more effective than face-to-face communication. Ever been part of a discussion where everyone just seems to repeat the last person’s point, but with different words? It makes me want to tear my hair out. In an online forum, comments are visibly saved, so if you repeat too much, it’s very obvious. Instead, and I’m generalizing here (but that’s okay, this is my blog ), online meetings tend to be more efficient. More points are covered in less time. I like that.

Cons

• Time differences make it difficult to call profs when you want to.
• Hanging out at the pub with classmates.

Differences Between Canadian & UK Schools

• Spelling differences: organisation vs. organization…
• Words:
  • a course in the UK is the actual program, e.g. the MLIS degree. A course is made up of “modules” which are the equivalent of courses in Canada.
  • “exploiting” resources in the UK vs. “advertising” resources in Canada (I don’t know – exploiting sounds like an evil thing to do to our resources!)
• The grading system.
  • This was a shock. I’m used to the Canadian system where, if you work really hard, you’ll get a mark over 80%. Mediocre work is generally in the 70-80% range. A pass is 50%. Not so in the UK. I only found out after my first assignment that “the grading system is often harder in the UK that in other countries… students have a shock when they get the grades for their first assignment” (Bournemouth University). Class averages are usually around 65%. A pass is 40%. 70% is considered a mark of “distinction” and worth an A. My prof told me that in 10 years, he’s only ever given one mark over 90% and that he normally only gives 2 or 3 papers in a class marks of over 80%.

Some Inspirational Library Student Blogs I’m Reading

• Life as I Know It (Jennifer Macaulay at Southern Connecticut State University)
• LIS :: Michael Habib (UNC-Chapel Hill)
• What I Learned Today (Nicole C. Engard at Drexel University in Pennsylvania – great resource for technical info)