In my year-long Vollstedt intern position, I served as a Learning Resources Specialist with the library’s Data Services department. In this position, I’ve gotten the opportunity to create many different learning objects. For example, I got to create LibGuide pages on how to download and install software and integrated development environments (IDEs) like R and R Studio. I also had the opportunity to create modules in Articulate Rise on how to use databases’ clipboard functions or how to add items to a Zotero library. Culminating in all that I learned was my creation of a module on how to use Microsoft Support to find documentation on converting or saving a file as a PDF. Through all of these projects, I learned a lot about instructional design.

Instructional design, in short, is the creation of learning objects. To create learning objects, I’ve realized that you have to be ready to conduct research, effectively communicate with subject matter experts (SMEs) and clients, and have a desire to help others. By communicating with my SMEs and clients, I conducted needs analyses by asking insightful questions about the learning gap I was trying to fill. I also learned to make the information I provided clear and concise. I was not able to speak with students directly to get a good idea of their gaps, so I had to make sure I was asking the right questions of my SMEs and clients. Because of this, I realized early on that feedback was an essential part of the instructional design process, and one I appreciated greatly.

I am incredibly grateful for the skills I have developed, and traits I have strengthened, through this internship. I have become a much more effective communicator, I can take feedback with grace and push back as needed, and I have much more empathy for the end user/learner when creating learning objects. I have also learned how to use the popular ID tool Articulate Rise to create modules and courses from templates and from scratch. This internship has helped me crystallize that I am passionate about instructional design. I am very proud of the work I’ve been able to produce thus far and am excited to see what I will be able to create in the future.

Happy Summer! We have enjoyed having you join us for our workshops and events this year and are pleased to announce our summer offerings.

This summer, Data Services is excited for you to join us for our summer book clubs. That’s right, this summer you have the chance to experience one (or both!) of TWO data book clubs! Whether you are looking to learn something brand new or get a refresh, these book clubs are for you.  

Learning Statistics with R is an engaging guide that simplifies the complexities of statistics using the programming language R, making it accessible for beginners and insightful for seasoned learners. This book is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their statistical skills and data analysis expertise! Topics include hypothesis testing, ANOVA, and linear regressions; click here for the complete schedule.. Learning Statistics with R will be hosted Tuesdays from Noon to 1:30, June 25 through September 10 in the Price Science Commons or over Zoom. Learn more and register here!

R for Data Science is a must-read for anyone looking to master data analysis. The book offers a comprehensive guide to data manipulation, visualization, and modeling using R. Perfect for beginners and experienced users alike, it will transform the way you handle data! Topics include visualizing data, transforming data, and web scraping; click here to see the full schedule. R for Data Science will be hosted Thursdays from Noon to 1:30, June 27 through September 12 in the Price Science Commons or over Zoom. Learn more and register here!

Feel free to attend each session to dig deep into the entire book or register for the series and just attend the sessions that you are interested in! These two books pair well to give you a handle on practical uses for R in statistics and data science. 

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us in celebrating Cameron Mulder, our Statistical Consultant, who has won an Outstanding Employee Award for 2024! 

The UO Outstanding Employee Award recognizes officers of administration and classified employees who demonstrate exceptional performance, embody community and inclusion, and inspire their colleagues. This award celebrates their achievements and contributions to the institution.

The UO Outstanding Employee Award recognizes officers of administration and classified employees who demonstrate exceptional performance, embody community and inclusion, and inspire their colleagues. This award celebrates their achievements and contributions to the institution.

Individuals are nominated by their peers, supervisors, and others who interact with them in the workplace. Recipients are selected by a committee of their peers.  The selection criteria include:

• Build Community: Promote a sense of community within their work group, department, or across campus.
• Promote Inclusivity: Welcome diversity of opinions, consider accessibility, and adhere to respectful workplace expectations.
• Demonstrate Leadership Qualities: Provide high-quality performance, direct people to resources, and handle difficult situations well.
• Exemplify UO’s Mission and advance the university’s goals and values through their work.

Cameron’s skilled, generous work leading workshops, supervising student quantitative peer consultants (tutors), and helping students, staff, and faculty learn statistical programming and analysis have been central to the success of the Data Services unit within UO Libraries and a key reason that the number of statistical consultations in the library nearly doubled every year between 2020 and 2023. Not to mention that he was specifically thanked in the acknowledgements for 5 UO dissertations!

Congratulations, Cameron!