Enhancing Graduate Online Programs by Using Digital Library Services

The Master of Science in Engineering Technology (MSET) program was developed at Drexel University to provide a graduate level educational opportunity on a fullor part-time basis. The program is designed to be extremely flexible; it permits the student to select a combination of courses relevant to individual career goals in technology or to provide the foundation for further advanced study. The multidisciplinary curriculum includes core courses and electives in such areas as rapid prototyping, programmable devices and systems, modern energy conversion technologies, lean manufacturing principles, project management, to name a few. The program is currently available entirely online and several of the courses employ web-based laboratory exercises. Through collaboration with Drexel University Libraries, online instructional sessions are planned, designed, and executed. These include: developing quality information seeking and research skills, keeping current with new research, and efficient management of quality references. With technologies available such as Web Conferencing, Chat Reference or Instant Messaging, Email Reference, Course Management System Integration, Blogs, Text Messaging and Telephone service, distance learners receive necessary assistance needed for their projects and assignments through virtual environments. This also helps them discover a variety of information resources available through the Libraries’ website which otherwise they would not have known since they do not come to campus. The information skills learned during the process contribute to life-long learning among the students in this new online program. Assessments mechanisms are envisioned to measure students acquired information skills.