Cultivating Critical Thinkers: Innovative Learning Experiences at UNSW Library

UNSW Library has been at the forefront of empowering authentic student-centred learning experiences. We developed a Library Curriculum Support model focussed on threshold concepts for student learning in a digital world.  We created a Digital Information Skills framework to build student digital literacy, in partnership with them. 
A strong thread through these initiatives has been the novel use of technologies to deliver engaging learning experiences. Recently our approach has evolved as we seek opportunities to explore non-traditional ways to use our scholarly collections. We want to create student experiences for multi-dimensional connections with knowledge as a tool to develop digital and critical literacy skills (UNSW Library Plan 2023). 
This presentation will focus on a number of emerging initiatives at UNSW Library – Object-based learning and the Library Digital Knowledge Lab. 
Object-based learning (OBL) is a form of experiential learning that engages students through hands-on exploration of scholarly, creative, and cultural assets. This pedagogy involves integrating objects into educational experiences. Central to OBL is its multisensory nature; students develop observation, analytical, and interpretive skills by interacting with the objects. Through OBL, students construct new forms of knowledge from their experiences with hands-on learning facilitating long-term retention of their ideas. Our program aims to build engaging student learning opportunities focussed on critical university and targeted object-based skills development aligned with course learning outcomes. 
Digital knowledge lab - In an era of overabundant information, critical societal challenges such as generative artificial intelligence and misinformation, erode trust around the use, creation and dissemination of knowledge. Longstanding roles in providing access to quality information and advancing knowledge through literacy education (ALIA Code of Ethics) means that the Library understands risks that can be amplified by these new tools and technologies. UNSW Library is positioned to advance these societal challenges and cultivate dynamic learning experiences in the digital space. UNSW students will have the opportunity to explore scholarly content interactively, and make trusted connections with knowledge - its discovery, interpretation and creation (UNSW Library Plan 2024). Our first lab will launch with a Misinformation Lab from Tactical Tech in early 2025.