Niche Academy is a resource that provides video tutorials that can be embedded within any online environment, such as a website or Blackboard. The tutorials cover a variety of information literacy topics essential for student success in conducting research and navigating the Library's electronic resources. In addition, Niche Academy includes a simple authoring tool that can be used to create custom online training.
How can I use it?
Niche Academy is accessible through this link, https://my.nicheacademy.com/sittingbull you can browse through all the tutorials the Library currently has available. Clicking on a tutorial opens it for viewing and provides the URL for directly linking to that specific tutorial. Tutorials can also be embedded directly into Blackboard. You can require students to enroll in tutorials, which allows you to track their progress as they complete a tutorial.
Instructions for Creating Niche Academy Interactive Database Assignments
Niche Academy tutorials walk students step-by-step through how to search within a database. They include interactive components throughout that require students complete searches in the database. They are a great alternative to in-class library instruction and can be integrated into your Canvas course with auto-grading.
Alternatively, you can simply send students a link to the tutorial and ask them to complete it. In this version, students can screenshot a Certificate of Completion at the end of the tutorial if you would like proof of completion.