Browsing Faculty of Humanities by Subject "Digital libraries"
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Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students’ competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other’s work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of elearning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/743 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_OIR_2006.pdf (1.931Mb) -
Mutula, S.; Kalusopa, T.; Moahi, K.; Wamukoya, J. (Emerald Publishing Group td; www.emeraldinsight.com/oir.htm, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present findings of the design and implementation of an online information literacy module to first-year students at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach - The study population consisted of 103 first-year students in the Department of Library and Information Studies. The population was divided into three equal groups of 34, 34 and 35, respectively, and each assigned a two-hour slot in the smart computer laboratory weekly for five consecutive weeks, to cover five information literacy topics online. Each group was assigned a tutor who received assignments online and graded them. Each topic was followed by questions for students to answer. Findings - Findings generally revealed that impartation of information literacy through the online mode could improve students' competencies perhaps more than the face-to-face instruction approach. Furthermore, respondents preferred a blended instruction approach to a single learning mode. Contrary to expectations, online instruction might not minimise the copying of each other's work among students to a great extent. Finally, online instruction does not necessarily reduce the amount of workload for staff and students, instead more time is needed to design and administer the course. Research limitations/implications - The study was limited to first year students in the LIS department. A similar study involving all departments in the University of Botswana would shed more light on the level of information literacy competency among first year students from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Practical implications - The major outcome of the study is a re-usable online information literacy module. The study findings could also be useful in developing interventions to improve the design and delivery of online courses. Originality/value - Information literacy is a key challenge facing educators all over the world. Case studies such as this provide unique and comparative experiences that advance existing knowledge. For the University of Botswana, the study provides a first insight into the impact of e-learning on information literacy competency since the implementation WebCT in 2002. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/168 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutulakalusopaetal2.pdf (498.7Kb) -
Mutula, S. (Emerald Publishing Group Ltd; www.emeraldinsight.com/nlw.htm, July NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper is a spin off of a keynote address that was delivered by the author at the IFLA-Africa section workshop on 'developing and managing digital libraries'that was held in Gaborone Botswana from 23-27 February 2004. The author points out that libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa like their counterparts in the rest of the world are continuing to experience a period of rapid change as they prepare to participate in the global information society. In this endeavour, the libraries face various challenges of economic, technological, content, and information literacy nature. In a global information society, there is need to democratize access to information using ICTs, provide adequate and relevant local content to users and equip them with requisite information literacy skills to efficiently find their way in a maze of information networks. This paper discusses the patterns of ICTs diffusion within libraries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the implications for the development and management of digital libraries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/167 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)mutula1.pdf (111.9Kb) -
Mutula, S.M. (Emerald, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose is to trace the revolution in information and communication technology (ICT) and changes in this wake such as globalization, digital divide, information society, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and e-government and how these changes impact on the provision of library and information services. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is largely based on review of literature both online and print. Findings – The paper concludes that the paradigm shifts occurring in the information environment have affected the concept of library; the perception of ownership versus access of library resources; the nature of information resources and services; and the role of the information professional among others. Research limitations/implications – The paper advocates for a proactive strategy on the part of information professionals in order to re-engineer and adapt the library to the volatile global information environment in order to remain relevant in the wake of new paradigm occurrences. Practical implications – Effective access and use of information will inevitably have great influence on the realisation of positive effects that the new paradigms occurrences engender in the global environment. It is desirable at this point in time to research into how information access and use can be brought to bear on the attainment of MDGs, bridge digital divide, enhance attainment of information society, promote e-government, etc. Originality/value – Despite, the rapid changes within the global information environment that has been occasioned by ICT, there is lack of critical mass of information science literature that addresses issues such MDGs, globalisation, information society and digital divide from the perspective of the information professional. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/768 Files in this item: 1
Mutula_LHT_2007 (1).pdf (1.058Mb)
Now showing items 1-4 of 4