Flipping it online: re-imagining teaching search skills for knowledge syntheses

INTRODUCTION: This program description outlines our approach to re-developing our three-part series for graduate students on comprehensive searching for knowledge syntheses from in-person to online delivery using a flipped classroom model. The re-development coincided with our library’s response to COVID-19. DESCRIPTION: This series followed a flipped classroom model where participants completed asynchronous modules built on Articulate Rise 360 before attending a synchronous session. Each week of content covered unique learning objectives. Pre- and post-class self-assessments were used to examine students’ understanding of the materials. OUTCOMES: 152 unique participants registered for the series across two offerings in summer 2020. We observed high engagement with pre-work modules and active participation during synchronous sessions. DISCUSSION: We found the flipped classroom approach to work well for our users in an online environment. Moving forward, we intend to continue with our re-developed online workshop series with minor modifications, in addition to in-person instruction.