Using Information Practices to Cross Disciplinary Boundaries

Type of Presentation

Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)

Target Audience

Higher Education

Lisa McNair, Virginia Tech

Location

Room 1005

Abstract

See presentation description.

Presentation Description

This presentation is based on several cases of graduate students using bibliometric approaches to explore their research topics from different angles. Although many topics are sparsely documented when situated within engineering education, relevant research from other disciplines can usually be found. By analyzing the interrelationships of work in and across different fields, students can learn to recognize and interpret existing frameworks that have not yet been used in engineering education. Also, by conducting citation and content analyses within engineering education venues, students can locate gaps in the literature and learn about the networks of knowledge production within their field. The cases in this presentation describe both instances (within and outside of field) and demonstrate that students increase their information literacy by analyzing and interpreting knowledge networks. Furthermore, this kind of activity, applied to writing, can prepare students to effectively contribute to the knowledge structures of an emerging interdisciplinary area.

Keywords

Bibliometric approaches, Interdisciplinary education, Knowledge production, Engineering education, Information literacy

Publication Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

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Oct 1st, 1:15 PM Oct 1st, 1:45 PM

Using Information Practices to Cross Disciplinary Boundaries

Room 1005

See presentation description.