We’re pleased to share a new set of interactive learning modules developed for the Vista Pathways Program.

When Director of the Vista Pathways Program Dr. Anandita Deb invited collaboration with the library for engaging students more deeply in research, we saw a practical opportunity to strengthen curriculum support. With experience in curriculum design, assessment, and multimodal instruction, we collaborated with colleagues across the library and the Pathways Program to determine which topics would be most useful for learners completing asynchronous sessions.

Using program feedback and our own assessment data, we created three short video tutorials with integrated knowledge checks:

• Introduction to the Library
• How to Develop a Research Question
• Selecting the Right Database for Your Research

The modules, fully integrated into the students’ learning experience in Canvas, align with Pathways Program goals and objectives, and reflect the Association of College & Research Libraries’ Information Literacy Framework, giving learners a solid foundation they can apply throughout their time at UMass Chan and in their future work.

What These Modules Make Possible

• Consistent, high-quality instruction: All learners receive the same essential information, regardless of program track or schedule.
• Low-lift integration: Fully self-contained and auto-graded modules allow for easy incorporation into any course with minimal faculty effort.
• Built-in scalability: Modular, reusable content supports broader deployment across courses, orientations, and other learning environments, without added staff time.
• Standards-aligned design: Each tutorial connects directly to institutional and professional learning frameworks.
• Continuous improvement: After releasing the first round of tutorials, we gathered learner feedback, identified key themes, and translated those insights into the second round of modules released new this week.

If you’re interested in adapting these modules for your own program, need support developing online learning materials, or want to explore other collaboration opportunities, get in touch via Ask a Librarian.