Executive Summary

MLA in Minutes – 9th Edition Update Project

The MLA in Minutes – 9th Edition update project was undertaken to bring the existing student resource handbook, originally aligned with the MLA 8th Edition, up to date with the latest MLA 9th Edition guidelines. This comprehensive update not only revised citation conventions but also expanded instructional content to better support diverse student needs and evolving academic tools, such as generative AI. Project Goals and Purpose The primary objective was to ensure that the handbook reflected the current MLA 9th Edition standards, with a special focus on refining in-text citation rules, enhancing examples for print and digital sources, and integrating modern source types such as podcasts and AI-generated content. The revision aimed to improve student comprehension, offer engaging learning opportunities, and promote academic integrity.

Key Deliverables and Enhancements

• Expanded In-Text Citation Guidance: Clarified how to cite sources with titles but no authors and added more examples for traditional print sources like journals, books, and newspapers.
• New Instructional Content: A new chapter on identifying source types to address common student confusion.
• A “Putting it All Together” chapter that includes a knowledge check to review key MLA concepts and reinforce student understanding.
• A comprehensive new chapter on signal phrases, including practical examples to help students smoothly introduce quoted or paraphrased material.

H5P Interactives for Active Learning

Over 30 new H5P activities, including interactive presentations and question sets, were embedded to engage students in understanding and applying citation rules. A notable addition is an H5P activity illustrating the four essential elements of a print citation using clear visual examples.

Multimedia Additions

• Two instructional videos demonstrating MLA formatting in Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
• Five culturally inclusive images added to early chapters to enhance visual engagement without disrupting the clarity of example-based sections.

Generative AI and MLA Guidance:

• A robust new section dedicated to citing generative AI tools, including:
• An introduction with interactive knowledge checks.
• Separate chapters for in-text citation and works cited entries for AI-generated text and images.
• An accompanying plagiarism module designed for PVCC’s Plagiarism Course and published to Canvas Commons for broad accessibility.

Accessibility and Integration Tools:

• Export options in Pressbooks to facilitate integration into multiple platforms.
• Planned screencast tutorials (in progress) for incorporating MLA in Minutes into Canvas courses, supporting faculty adoption and student access.

Outcome and Impact

The revised MLA in Minutes – 9th Edition handbook now serves as a dynamic, inclusive, and interactive resource that not only aligns with current MLA standards but also meets the pedagogical needs of a diverse student body. It empowers learners with practical tools for citation and academic writing in a rapidly changing information landscape. The project significantly enhances the handbook’s usability, instructional value, and adaptability for faculty across institutions.

Final Product

MLA in Minutes- 9th Edition Handbook

Contact Information

Samantha Lange: sami.lange@paradisevalley.edu

Victoria Brandenburg: victoria.brandenburg@paradisevalley.edu

Leila Palis: leila.palis@paradisevalley.edu

Executive Summary

MLA in Minutes” is a collaborative Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook to enhance students’ understanding of the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. This comprehensive guide serves as a concise student and instructional resource and includes interactive multimedia elements, such as H5P activities, designed to engage learners and reinforce key concepts. By integrating visual aids and interactive exercises, “MLA in Minutes” offers a dynamic and effective learning experience, equipping students with essential skills for academic writing and citation in MLA format. Proper format and examples for commonly cited materials make this an ideal resource for students. This resource streamlines the learning process, making MLA guidelines accessible and easy to grasp for all students.

Final Product

MLA in Minutes

Contact Information

Samantha Lange: sami.lange@paradisevalley.edu

Victoria Brandenburg: victoria.brandenburg@paradisevalley.edu

Leila Palis: leila.palis@paradisevalley.edu