Showing papers in "HETS Online Journal in 2022"

Comparison of Connectedness in Online, Blended, and Face-to-Face Research Methods Courses among Hispanic and Low-Income Students

Abstract: When students feel connected to the instructor, they are more likely to remain motivated, engaged, and persist toward completing an online course. Rarely have studies compared connectedness in three modalities: online only, blended, and face-to-face. This study compared perceptions of connectedness among students (N = 27) from an Hispanic Serving Institution with their instructor and peers in a research methods course. The sample of students took the same course in three different sections- each taught in a different modality by the same white instructor. Connectedness and students’ grades were lower for students who took the course fully online. However, student ratings of teachings were highest for those who took the online-only section. Latinx students reported less connectedness in the online-only section than others. The results inform decisions about teaching modalities during the pandemic and in the future; synchronous learning is critical to obtain equitable connectedness among Latinx students.

Evaluación de un programa de Administración de Empresas a distancia de una institución de educación superior en Puerto Rico

Abstract: Este artículo resume los resultados de un estudio mixto cuyo propósito fue evaluar un programa a distancia de Administración de Empresas en una institución de educación superior en Puerto Rico. Para este estudio se utilizaron las variables de contexto, insumo, producto y proceso del modelo de evaluación CIPP y los lineamientos teóricos de Robert Gagné. El análisis de datos identificó el estatus actual sobre las necesidades de fortalecimiento del programa, las áreas con oportunidad de desarrollo, la potencialidad curricular, indicadores de lealtad de los estudiantes, así como las nuevas necesidades de formación en el contexto de educación a distancia. El estudio permitió la validación del perfil estudiantil que demanda una educación universitaria a distancia atemperada a la realidad del mercado laboral y a sus características como estudiante adulto que trabaja. Además de fundamentar aspectos de acreditación, calidad y otros relacionados a la satisfacción con los servicios académicos que ofrece el programa. Se promueve que esta evaluación sirva de modelo para evaluar otros programas a distancia en esta y otras instituciones, en un momento histórico donde las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) han migrado a la educación virtual a raíz de la pandemia declarada por la enfermedad de COVID-19. Por lo cual, hay mayores retos y desafíos en la rendición de cuentas.

The Evolution of Lesson Plans in a Hybrid Course: Flipping the Classroom and Engaging Students Through iPads and YouTube Videos

Abstract: Instruction must include rigorous engagement in an online course. The increased popularity and use of social media tools have compelled instructors to incorporate them into instruction and learning. Due to many students using these tools, and, more specifically, YouTube, to interact and communicate with their friends, it can be an efficient way to unite students and instructors in higher education. This paper describes the design and implementation of lesson plans utilizing ipads, YouTube and peer discussions. Ultimately it is up to the professor to gauge, monitor and adjust instruction accordingly for the benefit of the students. Students can benefit from the strategy by having support throughout the process.

Factores que inciden en la intención de abandono de los estudiantes de enfermería en línea

Abstract: En este artículo se describen los hallazgos de la investigación que tuvo como objetivo principal identificar los factores que inciden en la intención de abandonar de los estudiantes de enfermería que estudian en línea. La investigadora utilizó como marco conceptual un Modelo Modificado de Abandono del Estudiante de Enfermería Matriculado en Línea basado en el modelo NURS desarrollado por Jeffreys (2012). Este modelo está constituido por siete categorías de variables: (1) variables de trasfondo; (2) factores afectivos; (3) factores académicos; (4) factores de medioambiente; (5) resultados académicos; (6) resultados psicológicos y (7) factores de integración profesional. La investigación fue de carácter cuantitativo descriptivo correlacional y participaron 90 estudiantes de enfermería matriculados en la modalidad en línea de una institución de educación superior en Puerto Rico, representando el 57.3% de la población elegible. Para la recolección de los datos, se utilizó un cuestionario elaborado por la investigadora y se distribuyó de forma electrónica. Luego de analizar los datos, se validó parcialmente el Modelo Modificado de Abandono del Estudiante de Enfermería Matriculado en Línea. De este modelo, todas las dimensiones del proceso correlacionaron, baja, moderada o fuertemente entre sí, exceptuando las variables de trasfondo y solo las dimensiones de factores académicos y resultados psicológicos mostraron relación con la intención de abandonar. Se destaca que los resultados de la presente investigación solo se pueden aplicar a la muestra que participó del estudio y no necesariamente a la población general de estudiantes de enfermería a distancia, debido a que la muestra fue representativa del 57.3% de la población. Por razones "administrativas" la investigadora no tuvo el tiempo necesario para alcanzar un número mayor de participantes del cohorte.

Nomophobia and its Effects on the Psychosocial and Physical Health of University Students

Abstract: Mobile technology had an effect on the lives of all people during the 21st century. Excessive cellphone use could be considered a behavioral addiction. After the emergence of the concept of technological addiction, the term nomophobia is used to refer to cellphone dependence. Excessive cellphone use has also raised concerns about its possible physical implications. The purpose of this quantitative, descriptive and correlational study was to investigate the knowledge university students have about nomophobia and the physical, emotional and social effects it can cause. A questionnaire was administered to 100 participants using the Survey Monkey© platform. The results demonstrated that 68% of participants were unaware of the term nomophobia. However, the results reflected a significant correlation between what nomophobia is and the physical and psychosocial effects in the interviewees. Nomophobia, and the areas to which it relates, is a component that needs to be further evaluated.

Motivating at Risk African Americans and Hispanics Through the Study of New Media Technology

Abstract: The rising number of African Americans and Hispanics turning away from higher education is creating a problem that threatens many aspects of American society. Educators can help reverse this destructive trend by creating New Media based curricula that addresses the motivational factors impeding the academic success of these students. The recent advances in personal computing, as well as the rise of the Internet and global networks offer educators an unprecedented opportunity to reengage and motivate many of these students by teaching them to develop digital content that is technically advanced, economically viable, and which stays true to their core values. This new approach, which makes use of interactive technology, can bridge the gap and make it possible for many disenfranchised African American and Hispanic students to view academia in a more positive light. The rising number of African Americans and Hispanics turning away from college and higher education is creating a problem that threatens many aspects of American society. It has been shown that increasing numbers of these students, many without sufficient economic and socio-political influence, can lead to increased levels of poverty, criminal behavior, incarceration (James, 2004), and greater family instability. However at the same time that some of these “at risk” students are turning away from higher education, new media centric areas of our economy and popular culture are experiencing incredible growth with this same demographic (Smith, 2010).

COBIMET Library Consortium: the experiences of a collaborative project of four Hispanic Higher Education Institutions in Puerto Rico

Abstract: This paper describes the experiences of the only registered library consortium under the State Department of Puerto Rico, mostly composed by private higher education institutions.The author explains how the Consorcio de Bibliotecas Metropolitanas (COBIMET) was founded and what were the challenges, needs and goals of this collaborative group. To achieve cooperation the members of the consortium considered the common needs of each one of the participating libraries. The areas to work on were technology, library services, information resources, budget constraints and professional development. Among the benefits derived from all activities the participating institutions were able to reduce costs, share knowledge, and explore diverse learning experiences.

Relación entre el nivel de liderazgo del profesor y la retención estudiantil de una institución de educación superior

Abstract: Este estudio de diseño descriptivo correlacional, longitudinal y por cohortes investigó la relación entre el nivel de liderazgo del profesor y la retención estudiantil. El estudio fue basado en los planteamientos teóricos del modelo de liderazgo completo de Bass y Avolio (1994) y el modelo de partida institucional (Tinto, 1993). Se administró un cuestionario para la determinación del nivel de liderazgo del profesor y se utilizó el sistema de información estudiantil de la institución para determinar la retención estudiantil. El cuestionario Nivel de liderazgo del profesor, fue validado y sometido a análisis de confiabilidad arrojando 0.92 en la prueba Alpha de Cronbach. El nivel predominante entre los docentes fue el nivel En desarrollo. En términos de la tasa de retención de los facultativos, la muestra obtuvo una tasa de retención general de 88.5%. El análisis del coeficiente de correlación Spearman’s arrojó un 0.039 rs con un valor p >0.05 determinando que no existe relación entre el nivel de liderazgo del profesor y la retención estudiantil. Los hallazgos de este estudio validan la retención como fenómeno multifactorial donde el nivel de liderazgo de facultad y la retención estudiantil no se asocian como factores que inciden en la retención estudiantil.

Running Head: Using Computers to Teach Science Can Computer Technology Improve the Quality of Science Education at Urban Universities?

Abstract: Research has shown that technology can be a powerful educational tool in facilitating a constructivist approach to teaching science. Research also shows that academic support for students and faculty development activities are positively linked to supporting science teaching and learning. However, despite the availability of these resources at many urban universities, instructors rarely engage students in collaborative learning. This article uses a case study to describe both the challenges and results of implementing a constructivist model of instruction at a mid-size urban college. The article demonstrates the successful implementation of an online interactive course management system and Supplemental Instruction in large classrooms, with the caveat that such practices require extensive training for instructors, staff and students to be feasible. At Lehman College of the City University of New York, both Title V grant and college administrative support has enabled the creation of a model of collaborative engagement that has successfully fostered partnership among instructors, students and staff in constructivist learning and active use of computer technology at an urban college.

Student Performance in Four Teaching Modalities and Covid-19 in a Research Course at a Hispanic Serving Institution

Abstract: This study aimed to assess the differential outcomes of students at a Hispanic Serving Institution based on ethnicity, teaching modality, and pre-post pandemic. Descriptive statistics of students’ (N = 117) writing scores, course grades, and retention were reported. All student grades were best for the asynchronous modalities whether virtual or face-to-face. The Hispanic students’ grades were best in course sections with face-to-face interactions; they struggled more than others during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Using ePortfolio to Improve Retention of Hispanic Students at a Predominantly Black College

Abstract: This study investigates how technology is being used to improve the engagement of at- risk Hispanic students at a predominantly Black institution through the use of ePortfolio in a co-curricular context. Historically, attrition rates for Hispanic students at Medgar Evers College of The City University of New York have been high. In 2009, 5.6% of incoming freshman students were Hispanic. By Spring 2010 that number had dropped to 2.5%. Recently, concerned faculty have concentrated on improving Hispanic student engagement. In Fall 2010, the Education Department and the Association for Latino Studies Student Club (ALAS) were among a small group who participated in an ePortfolio pilot project focused on improving engagement, fostering integrative learning, and encouraging personal development through reflective writing. Preliminary findings indicate that Hispanic students’ connectedness to the College increased after participation in this project.

Message from the Chairman

Abstract: Message

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Hybrid Developmental Reading Course at One Urban Community College: A Quasi-Experimental Comparative Study

Abstract: Based on the response for the need to engage students in developmental reading, the purpose of this study was to examine whether a hybrid method of instruction has an impact on student reading achievement. To measure reading achievement, quantitative data in the form of student grades on end of the semester exit exams was collected. Data was analysed using dependent-samples paired t-test and the results indicated a significant impact on reading achievement: t=.360, p=0.011. Future research is needed to determine the impact of the hybrid method of instruction on developmental reading students in differing socioeconomic backgrounds and geographic locations.

Contratación y formación del educador virtual: Consideraciones generales referentes a la capacitación en el manejo de las TIC y su efecto en la retención de alumnos en las instituciones universitarias

Abstract: La correcta y estratégica integración de la tecnología instruccional permite potenciar los métodos pedagógicos en la educación virtual. En base a ello, este trabajo investigativo cuantitativo, buscó conocer aspectos sobre la capacitación y competencias del educador virtual en el área tecnológica y sobre su conocimiento en la utilización de las tecnologías. Pretendió identificar cuáles herramientas ofrece el personal administrativo de las instituciones para garantizar la capacitación al profesorado en el área de conocimientos y uso de las tecnologías. La metodología incluyó un cuestionario dividido en cinco secciones interdependientes, ofrecido a una muestra de 35 participantes capacitados en el área de educación virtual. Entre los resultados de este estudio se destacó en la dimensión de requisitos de contratación, que las instituciones universitarias requieren competencias y conocimientos en áreas de tecnologías previos a la contratación. Además, aunque los profesores de cursos en línea indicaron que las instituciones universitarias ofrecen formas de capacitación, estas no representaban ser un criterio determinante para su contratación. Las conclusiones señalan a la presencia de una relación directa y significativa entre la formación que el profesorado tenga en conocimiento y competencias tecnológicas con la retención estudiantil.

Liderazgo Transformacional en las Organizaciones Estudiantiles Universitarias en Puerto Rico y la virtualidad.

Abstract: Las organizaciones estudiantiles tanto presenciales como en línea han reunido a estudiantes de todo el mundo, sin tener en cuenta las divisiones geográficas, idiomas o prácticas de antaño. Este artículo presenta un análisis de un estudio basado en la percepción de los estudiantes universitarios sobre su participación en las organizaciones estudiantiles universitarias y su correlación con el estilo de Liderazgo Transformacional aun en la virtualidad. Las Organizaciones estudiantiles son una forma jovial, informativa e innovadora para estar a la vanguardia y conocer los beneficios para los estudiantes. Según Litt (2021) las organizaciones ayudan a los estudiantes a optimizar sus habilidades, mostrando su talento, adquiriendo nuevos conocimientos, compartiendo posibilidades y generando un desarrollo integral, personal, académico y profesional. Mientras que el estilo de Liderazgo Transformacional se subdivide en cuatro dimensiones: Estimulación Intelectual, Influencia Idealizada, la Motivación Inspiracional, y la Consideración Individualizada (Bass, 1985). Maraboto (2021) menciona que el liderazgo transformacional es un estilo de liderazgo donde los líderes buscan alentar, inspirar y motivar a sus pares para innovar y generar cambios que fomenten el crecimiento y den forma al éxito futuro de una empresa. La data de este estudio se recopiló entre estudiantes miembros activos de las organizaciones estudiantiles universitarias de una institución en Puerto Rico. Esto a través de un cuestionario en donde las aseveraciones estaban enlazadas a cada una de las dimensiones del estilo de Liderazgo Transformacional. De esta forma, el participante afirmó cómo percibe el estilo en la organización estudiantil en la que participaba. El estudio analizado en este artículo encontró que la mayoría de los integrantes concuerdan con qué la participación activa y voluntaria de un estudiante en una organización estudiantil promueve el desarrollo de este estilo de liderazgo.

Una mirada a los desafíos en la transición a la educación a distancia: un análisis bibliométrico

Abstract: El propósito de este artículo fue determinar el cuerpo de literatura existente sobre la transición a la educación a distancia durante el COVID19. Para esto, se realizó un análisis bibliométrico utilizando la herramienta RStudio. Para esto, se analizaron 1,726 artículos que cumplieron con criterios de inclusión. Se utilizó la base de datos Scopus ya que cuenta con un alto número de revistas a nivel mundial y de diversas disciplinas. Cómo resultado, se pudo determinar la evolución de la producción académica, hasta la temática. Con ello, proponer materias específicas para las futuras investigaciones.

Mechanical engineering students’ struggles with units of measure

Abstract: The correct use of units of measure is a critical and fundamental skill that is often taken for granted. The fact that units are taught in high school leads to the expectation that university freshmen master these skills. Unfortunately, faculty often observe that students struggle with units. Although the literature is limited on the nature and extent of students’ struggles with units, it is shown that all of it, without exception, points to a pervasive problem in STEM programs. This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the evolution in the performance of N=21 senior mechanical engineering students enrolled during the Fall 2019 semester in a 3-credit-hour, required course that prepares them for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam. Students were given a unit-conversion quiz at the beginning each class session. It was corrected on the spot, with a score of either 1 or 0, followed by a discussion of the quiz. A score of 1 required a perfect solution. The performance on each quiz guided the decision on the content of future quizzes. The results show that 15 quizzes were required to get 100% of the students to push through their difficulties and achieve expertise. The paper includes the content of the quizzes, the solutions, the aggregated results for each quiz, and the nature of the mistakes. It also includes an algorithm to conduct unit conversions and a visualization scheme to use tables of unit conversions and tables of metric prefixes that were developed during the project. These greatly assisted students in overcoming their difficulties. The experiment was repeated the following semester (Spring 2020, N=27) to test the effectiveness of an algorithm and visualization scheme developed by the author during the Fall 2019 semester. The time to achieve expertise was reduced to one third (5 quizzes vs 15 for the original group), thus confirming its merit. Part of the discussion section focuses on the benefit of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) movement, of which this paper is an example, and its use in the ABET-required processes of outcomes assessment and continuous improvement. The paper also includes suggestions for further research.

Understanding the Challenges of Teaching Writing Online during the Pandemicat an Urban Community College

Abstract: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes to higher education and left particularly damaging effects for the underprivileged population. Colleges suddenly shifted into online modality in March 2020, forcing both students and faculty to quickly adapt to the new learning environment. While much of the recent literature has focused on the challenges from the student perspectives (Black et al 2020; Malik, 2020), there has been little insight as to how Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) faculty are dealing with the challenges. The purpose of this study is to better understand the impact this major shift has had on the challenges faculty faced in this process. To examine how our faculty rapidly adapted to teaching in distance learning modality, we analyzed a faculty survey conducted by the Writing Across the Curriculum program in Fall 2020. Eighty-six faculty members participated in a survey about pedagogical applications and concerns including responses to two open-ended questions. In response to the study, the recommendation is to expand professional development opportunities for faculty regarding online pedagogy that is systematically integrated into pedagogy in general.

An ePortfolio Virtual Learning Community within a Traditional Classroom Space: The Student in a Global Social Networking Community

Abstract: Queensborough Community College is one of six community colleges of the City University of New York. Located in Bayside, Queens, the college serves more than 15,000 degree students. Queens County in New York City is the most diverse county in the United States. The College reflects this diversity. Its White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian students or their families come from 143 countries including Paraguay, Venezuela, Korea, China, India, Guyana, Pakistan, Haiti and many more. Among the numerous languages they speak are Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Chinese, Pushto, and Farsi. Almost half of them speak a language other than English at home. This diversity generates both challenges and opportunities in a college community. Historically, non-ESL students have scored 20 percent higher in pass rates for reading and 10 percent for writing. Queensborough Community College is an Hispanic Serving Institution with a 26% Hispanic population.

Instructor-Generated Interactions and Course Outcomes in Online History Courses

Abstract: Abstract This article highlights a 2021 quantitative, correlational study examining the relationship between the weekly number of instructor-generated posts and two course outcomes within fully online, asynchronous history classes managed by one large, urban Texas community college serving a 35% Hispanic/ Latino student population. Framed by Communities of Inquiry (CoI), the study utilized archival data spanning four academic terms to answer two research questions: 1) to what degree, if any, is there a relationship between the weekly number of instructor-generated discussion posts and pass percentage rates in online history classes? and 2) to what degree, if any, is there a relationship between the weekly number of instructor-generated discussion posts and withdrawal percentage rates in online history classes? The sample contained 106 sections of History 1301 delivered via Blackboard LMS. Two data sources were collected; one showed total number of posts in the given sections, allowing calculation of a weekly mean value. The other showed course pass and withdrawal percentage rates for the sections. A positive, weak correlation was found between number of posts and pass percentage rates (r (104) = .32, p < .001). A negative, weak correlation was found between number of posts and withdrawal percentage rates (r (104) = -.47, p = .001). This article discusses the findings and provides supplemental insights for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Keywords: Community college, online discussion board, LMS course tools, interaction, Hispanic Serving Institutions

Message from the Chief Editor

Abstract: Message

An Open Educational Resource for Teaching Revision: Flesch-Kincaid Readability Statistics

Abstract: This article presents the findings of a one-semester-long qualitative study conducted pre-pandemic at a diverse urban public community college with ENGL101: Freshman Composition students and suggests the need for further study. Students were assigned to revise New York Times article summaries they had written, using revision techniques learned in the classroom and an open educational resource (OER), Flesch- Kincaid Readability Statistics. Data collection included collecting summaries before and after revising with Readability Statistics and student reflections on the experience. Most students saw the grade level of their writing increase by two levels after revising with Flesch-Kincaid Readability Statistics. Moreover, students’ understanding of revision increased, particularly in the skills of word choice, sentence complexity and elaboration. In addition, the limitations of the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Statistics program helped students gain insight into stylistic concerns. Overall, eighty-five percent of the participating students found using Readability Statistics to be useful and a motivator. While more rigorous research needs to be done, the findings of this study can be applied to any college writing classroom in any modality and have beneficial implications for the uncertainty of this near-post-pandemic historical moment, as the Flesch- Kincaid Readability Statistics program is an OER, freely available to all students and faculty.

Waterfall method: a necessary tool for implementing library projects

Abstract: This paper describes a methodology for implementing effectively library projects. The authors explain how the Waterfall Method for information system development and organizational design, created by Winston W. Royce can be applied to library projects. The proposed adaptation of the method for library projects is presented in stages; where each stage has a set of activities that produce deliverables that serve as evidence documentation for management or governing agencies. The stages are given a percentage to establish relevance and a basis to inform progress to top management. The benefits of applying the Waterfall Methodology include maintaining the scope of a project within the requirements and needs of all stakeholders; establishing cost control and time management for all the required activities; and provide documented evidence of the activities that govern the project. . It can be applied to every project and discipline, including education. The technique itself is so flexible that it could be used to manage research proposals, investigations, and even operational plans, but as in library sciences, the lack of information in the educational area present some challenges to this method followers

El Tiempo de Cambio y la Percepción de la «Generación Z» en la Educación

Abstract: El ser humano es un caminante obligado inmerso en una sociedad cambiante; cambia el clima, cambian las ciudades, cambian las organizaciones, cambian las personas, cambia la mentalidad, cambian las ideas, cambia la cultura, cambia la educación, cambia el lenguaje, cambia el discurso, cambia la predicación, cambia la tecnología y cambia la vida.

El assessment en educación a distancia: Una comparación de programas en línea en una institución de educación postsecundaria2

Abstract: Este estudio examinó las prácticas de assessment y evaluación en cursos que se ofrecen en la modalidad en línea en una institución de educación postsecundaria. El propósito de esta fue determinar si los principios que dirigen el assessment en educación a distancia son utilizados por los diseñadores y profesores de cursos que se ofrecen en esta modalidad. Para esta investigación mixta, de alcance exploratorio descriptivo, se utilizaron fuentes de información primarias y secundarias. Las fuentes primarias fueron las grabaciones y resúmenes de las entrevistas a profesores que ofrecían cursos en línea, y el proceso de observación de los cursos incluidos en el estudio. En la observación se pudo analizar y cuantificar el uso de herramientas de evaluación y assessment, en las categorías de tradicional y no tradicional y el tipo de técnicas de assessment utilizadas por los profesores, así como la cantidad de estas. Las fuentes secundarias fueron la documentación recopilada durante el estudio. En conclusión, la institución bajo estudio tiene el potencial de convertirse en líder en cuanto a los procesos de assessment y evaluación de programas a distancia. Para el logro de esto, la Institución deberá fundamentar la calidad de sus programas en línea en un modelo basado en el logro del aprendizaje. Una contribución de este estudio es la presentación a la Institución de un modelo de assessment de programas en línea, basado en las mejores prácticas de educación a distancia. El modelo podrá ser utilizado por los diseñadores de cursos en línea y el personal a cargo de esta gestión.

Higher Education: Factors and Strategies for Student Retention

Abstract: Education emerged out of the necessity different countries had for better-prepared workers. Well-educated citizens are responsible for taking the best measures for society’s social, financial, and political development (Claudio, 2002). Nevertheless, higher education institutions confront the problem of retaining students and helping them finish their academic degrees. This led me to research the role educational institutions have in retaining students and what should professors do at Bronx Community College (BCC) and other institutions.Objectives: Present academic offering factors related to the pedagogic process and social demands which can affect the retention of students in universities and Bronx Community College. Present strategies that can help with social demands and academic offering factors which influence the retention of students in universities and Bronx Community College. Promote strategies recommended by some retention models (Tinto, 1975, 1987; Bean and Metzner, 1986; Pascarella, 1991) and research showing the effectiveness of those strategies in retaining university students. All the suggested strategies in this article can be used as reference so higher education institutions can fulfil their commitment to the teaching process and to society and students do not abandon their studies. These practices can be applied at colleges, universities, or they may be substituted according to the educational policies of different countries. However, while higher education institutions have worked hard to retain more students through different strategies, there are always students who do not finish their studies.

Just-In-Time: the value of online integrated interlibrary loans to broaden access to information resources

Abstract: This research article will discuss a collaboration strategy used between eight postsecondary institutions in Puerto Rico which are part of the library consortia COBIMET. COBIMET is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with its members to improve virtual library services and information skills in the digital era. The development of collaboration strategies for information sharing through interlibrary loans (ILL) services have become an important service to reduce the gap of information needed by researchers or scholars. These institutions implemented an automated online interlibrary loan system that was integrated to their electronic resources discovery system. The aim of this collaborative agreement was to reduce request time and to provide access to more information resources in a cost-effective manner. The article will present the rationale on implementing an automated ILL Request Process and project experiences.