Providing Library liaison and expertise to support an Online Psychology seminar using Microsoft Teams

Abstract

In winter 2019/20 the University of Liverpool (UoL) School of Psychology delivered a series of online seminars within a Cyberpsychology module to explore “...psychological and societal impact of computers, digital technology and virtual environments.” The module duration was 12 weeks with online seminars delivered via Microsoft Teams and the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), ensuring inclusive access for remote participants. WordPress was used to facilitate digital literacy skills. Seminar coverage included issues of identity and role of individuals in virtual communities, problematic uses of the Internet and cybersecurity. The online seminars represented an innovative, early use of Microsoft Teams at University of Liverpool, providing a development opportunity for academic staff and the Library, also providing a useful precursor to remote working/ social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. An online cybersecurity seminar was provided by a UoL Library practitioner within the module, involving close liaison with the school for planning, seminar design and module delivery. The cybersecurity seminar demonstrated the value of Library liaison with an academic School for curriculum planning and programme delivery, also demonstrating Library/ Information expertise for coverage of regulatory compliance issues, data protection and copyright, International Standards, cybersecurity and relevance to students’ use of technology.

Keywords

• covid-19
• cyberpsychology
• cybersecurity
• instructional design
• internet security
• library liaison
• library partnership
• microsoft teams
• online teaching