Afsaneh Hazeri and Mahboobeh Farzin-Yazdi
The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of library and information science (LIS) students from Alzahra, Yazd and Payamenoor universities toward e-learning, while…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes of library and information science (LIS) students from Alzahra, Yazd and Payamenoor universities toward e-learning, while aiming to develop awareness in the broader LIS community of alternative and supplement solutions in the LIS educational arena.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a research survey conducted amongst 142 students. Data were collected via a researcher-designed questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS software using descriptive and analytical methods.
Findings
Based on the findings, a relatively favorable attitude of e-learning education exists, indicating the existence of a supportive culture that can offer this type of education. According to the findings, with the provision of necessary equipment and the possibility of other incentives, e.g. running workshops, a supportive culture would be more advanced. Results also revealed that e-learning systems are more effective for the purpose of some courses that are related to the use of computers and the Internet, courses relating to information sources and courses associated with the application of new technologies in libraries.
Originality/value
The emergence of new concepts and the advancement of technologies demands that LIS schools update their curricula. The findings of this paper ascertain the importance of equipping graduates with the knowledge and skills associated with e-learning technologies. LIS students need to gain specialized skills in the application of new technologies in libraries; the implementation of an e-learning system by LIS schools, and the delivery of electronic programs, provides an environment for them in which they experience the application of new technologies.
Details
Keywords
Maryam Sarrafzadeh, Bill Martin and Afsaneh Hazeri
To identify the general perspectives of library and information science professionals on knowledge management and examine their assessments of its potential values, benefits…
Abstract
Purpose
To identify the general perspectives of library and information science professionals on knowledge management and examine their assessments of its potential values, benefits, opportunities and threats to the profession.
Design/methodology/approach
An international survey was conducted using a web‐based questionnaire. The questionnaire targeted LIS professionals around the world, through the use of the IFLA‐L, KMDG‐L mailing lists.
Findings
The survey found an increased awareness among LIS professionals of their potential contribution to knowledge management, with a high agreement on its positive implications for both individuals and the profession.
Research limitations/implications
Although the survey was distributed through international mailing lists, it succeeded mainly in obtaining responses from Australia and New Zealand, the USA, the UK, South Africa and Canada. Thus, the findings may have limitations in their generalizability.
Originality/value
Knowledge management is a field with which the LIS community is already familiar. Despite its wide impact on many aspects of the profession, the wider ramifications of the relationship between the two as yet remain unclear. The paper attempts to contribute to further understanding of these ramifications.
Details
Keywords
Michael J.D. Sutton and Afsaneh Hazeri
This literature review explores the academic material comprising applications, cases, courses, and classroom-based research in higher education where wiki tools appeared as an…
Abstract
This literature review explores the academic material comprising applications, cases, courses, and classroom-based research in higher education where wiki tools appeared as an instructional technology. The authors define and describe the wiki concept, outlining a framework for wikis deployed as instructional technology tools. Additionally, analyses and syntheses of the findings are described from an interdisciplinary research literature search across many fields, along with a number of illustrative, exemplary cases demonstrating the application of this tool to teaching and learning. The authors also identify research evidence that outlines the benefits and strengths offered by new wiki technologies, while highlighting challenges, weaknesses, and issues encompassing their application in courses. The authors also outline numerous theories of learning that can be associated with wiki work; new forms of wiki-based learning; patterns of wiki technology use; characteristics of learners using wikis; and the changing role of teaching and teachers who instruct with wikis. Finally, we conclude with a summary of the findings and suggested future directions for studying wikis in higher education (HE). Although no broad, definitive prognosis yet exists that can point to a cause–effect relationship between the application of wikis and increases in learning, a significant body of evidence has emerged that suggests that wikis positively stimulate the learning environment and increase the collaborative capabilities of learners when applied to course work.
Details
Keywords
Maryam Sarrafzadeh, Bill Martin and Afsaneh Hazeri
This paper aims to discuss the applications of knowledge management (KM) for library practice.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the applications of knowledge management (KM) for library practice.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper starts by reviewing the relevant literature and then the results of an empirical study which investigated the perceptions of LIS community on the relevance of KM to libraries. The involvement of libraries in KM programs is also presented.
Findings
The results show that the LIS community exhibits a positive attitude towards introducing KM to libraries, and not only because this could bring libraries closer to their parent organization, but also because it might help them to survive in an increasingly challenging environment.
Practical implications
Although there are some indicators of involvement of libraries in KM in published case studies (through activities such as development of intranets and institutional repositories of content management and embedding information literacy instruction in the curriculum and employing web 2.0 technologies for knowledge sharing), libraries are still in the early stage of understanding the potential implications of KM.
Originality/value
The paper focuses on KM in the library community.
Details
Keywords
Maryam Sarrafzadeh and Afsaneh Hazeri
The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the familiarity and use of reference management software (RMS) by library and information science (LIS) faculties in Iran, and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the familiarity and use of reference management software (RMS) by library and information science (LIS) faculties in Iran, and aims to identify the possible factors that lead to the application and choice of this software.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a descriptive survey. Data collected by a Web-based questionnaire include both open-ended and multiple-choice questions. The questionnaires were distributed among LIS discussion groups and were sent to the e-mails of LIS faculties.
Findings
Results reveal that over half of the respondents had a good familiarity with the various citation software packages and knew how to use them; 35 per cent of respondents have learned how to use these packages through formal education. “Endnote” is the most popular software among respondents. Respondents confirm the need to offer some educational programs on how to use these software packages to bachelor students, and nominated the “Academic Writing” course as the proper place for teaching this topic.
Originality/value
If due attention is given to the importance of referencing in academic writing and to establishing criteria for the acceptance of papers for publication, teaching students how to carry out referencing and how to use RMS packages for this purpose will aid the promotion of scientific products. To determine whether LIS educators are able to teach the use of RMS packages, it is necessary to examine the extent to which they are familiar with these programs.
Details
Keywords
Liliana Alzate-Pérez is a fifth semester student in the Bachelor's in English-Spanish Education (Licenciatura Inglés-Español) at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín…
Abstract
Liliana Alzate-Pérez is a fifth semester student in the Bachelor's in English-Spanish Education (Licenciatura Inglés-Español) at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Medellín, Colombia. She serves as a Research Assistant at the Research Group on Pedagogies and Didactics of Subject Knowledge (Pedagogías y Didácticas de los Saberes). She has helped with data collection and analysis procedures on two research studies: An exploratory study about teacher education policies in Medellín and a study regarding school violence. She is also a member of the Student Research Group on Second Language (SRG-L2), currently drafting a project about impact of teacher education programs. In addition, she works at a partnership project between UPB and local newspaper El Colombiano for the inclusion of the newspaper as a pedagogical tool. She has also been teaching a biology preparation course for the Colombian ICFES High School standardized test at UPB High School for four years. Her first research presentation was about her study (along with Mr. Gómez-Yepes) on teacher education practices in the new curricular proposal at the Faculty of Education at a research symposium at UPB. Her primary research interest is in the field of teacher education, specifically in the area of teacher education policies. Additional research interests include issues of technology and literacy in the high school setting, working in the inclusion of different educational needs in the curriculum, and the development of creative strategies for teaching improvement.
Patrick Blessinger and Charles Wankel
This chapter provides a broad overview of the practical applications of three technology-based teaching and learning tool: wikis, blogs, and WebQuests. These Web-based…
Abstract
This chapter provides a broad overview of the practical applications of three technology-based teaching and learning tool: wikis, blogs, and WebQuests. These Web-based communication tools allow teachers and students to increase student engagement by enhancing experiential type learning. A variety of studies is presented to demonstrate how these three types of collaborative technologies can be used as inquiry-based and reflection-based active learning tools to foster higher levels of effort and participation by students. This chapter presents a variety of perspectives about how to make the learning process for both instructors and teachers more engaging, more gratifying, and more personally meaningful. In doing so, these technologies serve as enabling technologies by promising new ways to increase academic engagement and motivation. The ultimate goal in using these technologies is to develop students as lifelong learners and to foster a high value for learning and the development of higher order thinking skills that grows over time. The experiential nature and authenticity of the activities that these technologies can be used for helps achieve this purpose. Of course, technology involves a constant evolution and new technologies will always appear in the future but this does not mean that they should be viewed as passing fads or not worthy of implementing. These tools can be viewed as opportunities to expand our definition and concept of teaching and learning in the modern, post-industrial era. To that end, this chapter explores the innovative use of these technological tools to better engage students and enhance the learning process.