Preparing First Year Students for Online Learning in Digital Academia: SMU Libraries’ Peer Advisors Step Forward

• Main Authors: Li, Zhenyan, Tan, Constance, Gupta, Shubhangi
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2020
• Subjects: peer-assisted learning; academic libraries; Singapore; students; Asian Studies; Library and Information Science
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/library_research/165; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1171&context=library_research
• Institution: Singapore Management University

With the new normal being online learning or a hybrid thereof, the academic community is quickly trying to upskill themselves including librarians. But what about incoming first year students? Who and what support networks are being created to help them navigate the different facets of online learning? In this presentation, participants will learn about SMU Libraries’ Library Peer Advisors (LPA) initiative. LPAs provide peer-to-peer support by students for students in areas such as citation help, effective use of databases and introducing new students to the physical libraries through tours. Research shows that peer-assisted learning is beneficial in providing supportive social networks for students and allows them to learn and acquire knowledge from their seniors. The LPA expands the already existing peer ecosystems in SMU such as the Peer Helpers, Peer Advisors, Peer Tutors, Comm Coaches and Career Champions which are student-led initiatives. This case study will highlight how SMU Libraries are preparing first year students for online learning and the involvement of the LPAs. Participants will hear a first-hand account from two LPAs. In closing, the presenter will share how campus collaborations can ensure that no one is left behind during this shift to online teaching and learning.