Sarah Hood

Handy one-page guide on getting started with Zotero

Total Time: ~60-90 minutes (But you could pick and choose what parts you do)This lesson package introduces students to generative AI through a blend of foundational understanding, media and information literacy, ethical research practices, and hands-on prompting experimentation. Students begin by exploring what generative AI is, how it works, and why its ethical and effective use matters in academic and professional contexts. They then examine AI’s broader societal influence, including its…

Time: 60-90 minutesThis lesson introduces students to the powerful role algorithms play in shaping the information they encounter online, particularly within social media environments. Through a combination of brief readings, media clips, data visualization analysis, and guided reflection activities, students examine how algorithmic systems curate content to maximize engagement, amplify polarization, and contribute to misinformation circulation. The lesson connects these mechanisms to broader…

With media/news literacy, it's easy to focus solely on skills-based learning. But in today's increasingly stressful - and often toxic - news landscape, having strategies to safeguard our mental health is just as important. This handout offers practical, research-based strategies for managing stress and emotional fatigue caused by constant news exposure, including tips for setting healthy media boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care. It emphasizes balancing informed…

This syllabus serves as a comprehensive, modular model for designing a contemporary, semester-long information literacy course that moves beyond basic research skills into critical engagement with today’s information ecosystem. The course integrates foundational library instruction (organizing systems, databases, search strategies, and citation practices) with media literacy, news literacy, data and visual literacy, social media analysis, OSINT methods, and responsible use of generative AI.…

Total Time: ~45-60 minutesThis lesson introduces students to the structure of the web and advanced Google search strategies, then guides them through playful, hands-on practice to deepen real-world information-seeking skills. Students first explore how the Open Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web differ in access, visibility, and risk, helping them understand where information lives and why not everything can be found through a basic Google search . They then learn a focused toolkit of advanced search…

Total Time: ~45 minutes This lesson introduces students to core concepts of data literacy by combining short readings, an introductory video on graph types, and an applied analysis activity focused on identifying misleading data presentations. Students first learn to recognize common manipulation techniques, particularly truncated axes and cherry-picking, then examine real-world examples ranging from media graphics and advertising to climate data and public health reporting. Through guided…

Students learn what a database is and apply their understanding of what defines a database by analyzing real-world collections they encounter. Working individually or in small groups, students select an online organizational system and evaluate whether it meets the criteria of a searchable, structured database. They examine how the collection is organized, how information is retrieved, and how items are added or removed, while distinguishing between personal and externally created systems.…

This is a fun activity in which students can gain experience finding books on the shelves by playing "matchmaker" to a book. What book that is depends on what books you decide to pull. I usually go with books that are relevant to either the course or assignment. Students will need some brief instruction on wayfinding in the stacks. Great to do around Valentine's Day. :)

This lesson plan is for a one-hour orientation for entry-level nursing students. It introduces students to library resources, including searching in CINAHL and APA citation. The session includes a team-based citation exercise to simulate teamwork in nursing.

This activity involves students working in groups to construct and organize an evaluative annotation paragraph. Each group focuses on different aspects of an article, including summarizing sections, evaluating content and target audience, and researching the author. This collaborative approach reduces intimidation, promotes teamwork, and builds essential research and documentation skills.

Ready-made Canvas Module that explores one way of introducing students to the research process, providing them with the opportunity to practice planning and executing their research. Note: the last video will not show up because it is specific and accessible only to my institution. But it's just a 5-min library orientation video. Feel free to use/substitute a similar type of video that covers your library!  Approx. Completion Time: ~45 min Help with importing objects from…

This activity involves using Generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Pi.ai, to assist in brainstorming and refining research questions. Students will experiment with different prompts, and engage in a conversational approach with the AI to get the best, most useful results. This activity is intended to provide students with an introduction to effective GenAI prompt construction and does not explore the ethical issues of using this technology.   Estimated…

Graphic organizer that takes students through the 5 W's (Who What Where When Why). Includes prompt questions. 

FAQ, Discussions in the Higher Ed Community, Writing Assignments, Assessment, AI in the Classroom, Plagiarism & Academic Integrity, AI Detectors, Sample Syllabus Policies, Ethical Considerations...and more  

Tips and Advice on using ChatGPT effectively and ethically (English & Spanish)(PPT files included for easier editing)

This is a fun, hands-on activity that can help with brainstorming a topic and/or reserach question. Can also function as an ice-breaker! The results can be informative...and also sometimes entertaining! On the slip of paper (attachment), students write their name and a Population that they'd like to focus on. then they hand it off to another student, who fills in a Place. They then hand it off to a third student, who fills in a Problem. Finally, the slip is returned to its original owner…

This Worksheet is based on Mike Caulfield’s S.I.F.T. Method. Students will first need to have a familiarity with that. I highly recommend the “S.I.F.T. For Teachers” video playlist on his YouTube channel and/or his website. This activity would probably take most of a class period. Could also be done online via a Discussion.

Ready-made Canvas Module that explores students' thinking about the conceptual differences between data, information and knowledge – which is an important first step to understanding how data, information and knowledge are created, disseminated and consumed. Takes ~30 minHelp with importing objects from Canvas Commons: https://ittraining.iu.edu/help/import-from-canvas-commons/index.html

Tabs: Books, Ebooks, Vidoes, Articles, Podcasts, Resources for Your Students

List of nearly two dozen short (~5 min) videos that deal with various topics related to Misinformation & News/Media Literacy. Prompt Questions included for each video. Great to use for a class activity/assignment.

Tabs/Topics: Categories of Misinformation, Evaluating Information, Media Bias Charts, Classroom Activities, Videos, Podcasts, Infographics, More Resources

Reports from leading organizations on Misinformation & Media/News Literacy

This is a brainstorming activity in which students work in groups that each spend time (approx. 2-3 min.) at 3 different stations. I typically tape each sheet (there are 3, see attachment) to one of those large, self-adhesive Post-It sheets, which I in turn put up on a wall; in other words, there are 3 big Post-It sheets around the classroom, each with one question sheet taped to it. I put 1 or 2 colored markers at each station. The first rotation can be a bit of a challenge because students…