2018 LibTech Conference

When teaching an Intellectual Community (IC) course targeting incoming freshman we knew we wanted a unique final project for the class. In order to align with the mission of the course the project needed to be collaborative, connected to the intellectual community we were creating, and involve information and technology literacy. We knew early in the course development that we were looking for more than a final paper -- we wanted something digital, visual, and engaging. Scalar, an open source publishing/authoring platform fit our wish list. Scalar allowed us to create a class book as the final project and to connect the various chapters contributed by students in non-linear ways. Most students had no trouble learning the basics of Scalar. Further, it allowed them to enhance their writing with visual components and annotations. This presentation will highlight developing technology focused learning outcomes that tie into information and digital literacies, cover implementing the tool in the classroom, and demonstrate Scalar’s basic functions. Scalar is a neat publishing tool that could be used in a variety of situations outside the classroom. It offers many possible uses for libraries or anyone who is interested in writing and presenting content digitally.