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1 – 10 of over 17000
Article
Publication date: 21 November 2016

Janak Adhikari, Anuradha Mathrani and Chris Scogings

Over the past few years, technology-mediated learning has established itself as a valuable pathway towards learners’ academic and social development. However, within the adoption…

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Abstract

Purpose

Over the past few years, technology-mediated learning has established itself as a valuable pathway towards learners’ academic and social development. However, within the adoption stages of information and communications technology-enabled education, further questions have been raised in terms of equity of information literacy and learning outcomes. For the past three years, the authors have been working with one of the earliest secondary schools in New Zealand to introduce a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy. In this paper, the authors present the findings of a longitudinal investigation into the BYOD project, which offers new insights into the digital divide issues in the context of evolving teaching and learning practices across three levels, namely, digital access, digital capability and digital outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is an empirically grounded longitudinal case research conducted over a three-year period in one secondary school in New Zealand. This research has included a number of methods, including surveys, interviews and classroom observations, to gather qualitative data from various stakeholders (teachers, students and parents).

Findings

The findings from the study of the BYOD project inform of digital divide issues in the context of evolving teaching and learning practices across formal and informal spaces. The authors explored how the BYOD policy has influenced existing divides in the learning process across three levels, namely, digital access, digital capability and digital outcome. The result sheds light on key issues affecting the learning process to contextualise factors in the three-level digital divide for the BYOD technology adoption process in classroom settings.

Research limitations/implications

The study presents findings from an ongoing investigation of one secondary school, an early adopter of the BYOD policy. While the authors have followed the school for three years, more in-depth studies on how teaching and learning practices are evolving across formal and informal spaces will be further qualified in the next stages of data collection.

Originality/value

The study contributes to new knowledge on how digital inclusion can be supported beyond mere access to meaningful use of technology to reinforce student learning and their overall skill development.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 August 2017

Janak Adhikari, Chris Scogings, Anuradha Mathrani and Indu Sofat

The purpose of this paper is to seek answers to questions on how equity of information literacy and learning outcomes have evolved with the ongoing advances in technologies in…

1893

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to seek answers to questions on how equity of information literacy and learning outcomes have evolved with the ongoing advances in technologies in teaching and learning across schools. The authors’ report on a five-year long bring your own device (BYOD) journey of one school, which was one of the earliest adopters of one-to-one learning devices in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a socio-cultural ecological lens for analysis, a longitudinal study has investigated aspects of how digital/information literacy, computer self-efficacy, and nature of technology usage are transforming school and classroom curriculum practices.

Findings

Findings of this study reveal a significant shift in social and academic boundaries between formal and informal learning spaces. One-to-one learning devices provide the link between school and home, as students take more ownership of their learning, and teachers become facilitators. Curricula changes and proper technological support systems introduced in the school structures have given agency to students resulting in greater acceptance of the BYOD policy and extensions to learning beyond formal classroom spaces. Digital divide amongst learners has evolved beyond equity in access and equity in capabilities to become more inclusive, thereby paving the way for equity in learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted in a school which is located in a relatively high socio-economic region. To achieve a more holistic view, there is a need for further studies to be conducted in schools from low socio-economic communities.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the existing literature by sharing teacher reflections on their use of innovative pedagogies to bring changes to classroom curricular practice.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 34 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2022

Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron and Aoi Yamanaka

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, in the fall of 2020, 72.8% of U.S. postsecondary students were enrolled in distance…

Abstract

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, in the fall of 2020, 72.8% of U.S. postsecondary students were enrolled in distance education courses—up from 36.3% in the fall of 2019. While this surge may be explained by a number of factors, one of the most significant factors is the COVID-19-induced pivot to online learning. The rapid and intense expansion in distance education due to COVID-19 offered learners some sense of continuity in their studies, but it also revealed stark inequities in learner resources and access—especially for students of Color and students from lower-income households. Further, as COVID-19 spread, the U.S. roiled in a “twin pandemic” of racial injustice that continued to metastasize—spawning more pain-points such as online environments where racism became unmasked when face-to-face norms were abandoned. These revelations about the shadow side of online learning are particularly concerning in the context of leadership education and its commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and holism. Given this new context for online leadership education, the purpose of this piece is to reflect on how the Journal of Leadership Education has shepherded the journey of online leadership education and what the future of this journey might look like for online leadership educators committed to change. Scaffolded by the Community of Inquiry model, we offer promising practices that address cognitive, social, teaching, and learner presence in the pursuit of culturally relevant/sustaining and equitable online leadership education.

Details

Journal of Leadership Education, vol. 21 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1552-9045

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Ina Fourie and Theo Bothma

The purpose of this article is to help students to move from ICT access to knowledge sharing.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to help students to move from ICT access to knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

An overview of the literature on information literacy skills and the digital divide, an analysis of information seeking research, as well as experience in teaching a course in advanced information retrieval at the Department of Information Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, inspired a theoretical model for addressing different layers of the digital divide.

Findings

The digital divide concerns more than just ICT access and information skills. Individual commitment, group work, and intellectual and academic support from the institution might contribute to bringing people to higher levels of knowledge generation and communication.

Research limitations/implications

At this stage it is a theoretical model that needs to be tested in practice.

Practical implications

The model should hold possibilities for information literacy programs, programs in information retrieval, collaborative learning, and the developments of communities of practice.

Originality/value

The proposed model allows for higher levels of knowledge sharing and should help society to bridge the digital divide.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Farooq Mubarak and Michael Nycyk

This paper aims to explore how older people in developed and developing countries are affected by the grey digital divide. It argues country type and culture influence older…

1659

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how older people in developed and developing countries are affected by the grey digital divide. It argues country type and culture influence older people’s willingness to access and learn internet skills. Using the knowledge from researchers informs policy, funding and delivery of appropriate skilling to minimize this divide.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature search using specific keywords to locate digital divide research, specifically pertaining to older people across country types.

Findings

Despite increased internet access and affordability, older people still face challenges in learning internet skills. Country type, economic challenges and cultural beliefs need to be considered in minimizing the grey divide. Governments recognize the importance of funding such teaching but evidence-based research must continue to inform policy to maximize funding and solve the many physical age and cultural issues affecting older people’s access to internet skills learning.

Originality/value

This paper argues that research in developing countries into minimizing the grey digital divide is a crucial undertaking. As the internet continues growing in developing countries, finding solutions that consider cultural and age differences issues is crucial to the success of having internet literate societies that have growing populations of older people seeking to use it.

Details

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-996X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2018

Anna Marie Johnson, Amber Willenborg, Christopher Heckman, Joshua Whitacre, Latisha Reynolds, Elizabeth Alison Sterner, Lindsay Harmon, Syann Lunsford and Sarah Drerup

This paper aims to present recently published resources on information literacy and library instruction through an extensive annotated bibliography of publications covering all…

6546

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present recently published resources on information literacy and library instruction through an extensive annotated bibliography of publications covering all library types.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper annotates English-language periodical articles, monographs, dissertations and other materials on library instruction and information literacy published in 2017 in over 200 journals, magazines, books and other sources.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description for all 590 sources.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 46 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 8 May 2023

Smritishikha Choudhury, Chayanika Senapati and Nripendra Narayan Sarma

In the last few decades, the growth in management institutions in India has become significant. The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions also have started offering…

Abstract

Purpose

In the last few decades, the growth in management institutions in India has become significant. The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) institutions also have started offering management programmes at various levels. In the ODL scenario, the learning path has been shifting from the traditional Self-Learning Material (SLM) -based model to technology-mediated platform. The digital divide in India is also a widely discussed area. In this context, a need has been felt to understand the implications for educators, more specifically, for the programmes offered through technology-enabled ODL mode.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses triangulation method covering literature review, personal interview and survey. Primary data have been collected through structured questionnaire in the Google Form administered on the learners of UG and PG progammes of management in Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University (KKHSOU), India. The sample size is 101, and the sampling frame is within Assam, a province of India. Select interviews (15 nos.) were also conducted with a cross section of learners to capture the emerging shift in the learning path and the limiting factors of digital divide.

Findings

Learners possess multiple digital devices for e-learning (41.8% uses laptop and 88.8% uses android phone). Interaction in WhatsApp and Telegram groups are mostly related with evaluation and course administration, rather than content and academic discussion. eSLMs are widely used. Though promoted, video lectures are not widely used. Some of the problems faced by the learners are low bandwidth, high cost of data subscription etc. Learners are not constrained by digital device, and they are engaged in positive communication with stake holders in digital platform.

Originality/value

This study will help in understanding the technology-enabled learning for management education in ODL mode in India. As a wide majority of the learners (88%) are dependent on small screen; print SLM and eSLM on a larger screen can provide augmented learning in case of complex topics like analysis of financial statements, project scheduling etc. Though the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shift in learning path, the transition is not full. The digitally constrained learners still look for solutions to complex learning problems mainly through print SLM and counselling. The talent of the students cannot be facilitated in WhatsApp and Telegram e-mentoring groups, like the way it could be done in learning management system (LMS)-mediated platforms.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 18 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1858-3431

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2019

Victoria Lynn Lowell and James Michael Morris Jr

The purpose of this paper is to discuss potential challenges learners from different generations may have with current instructional methods using educational technologies in the…

2428

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss potential challenges learners from different generations may have with current instructional methods using educational technologies in the classroom. The authors hope to create awareness to help improve equity in learning opportunities and assist educators in understanding the needs of multigenerational classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

In a narrative review of the literature, the authors present the current findings of the literature on generations in higher education and concerns for equity in learning opportunities.

Findings

It is commonplace in undergraduate programs for learners of multiple generations to attend classes together and research has shown that historical context and generational experiences affect the values, attitudes and learning preferences of each generation. Therefore, higher education institutions should be aware of the demographic profile of their students, as well as the external populations from which they may recruit students, to ensure they are cognizant of the needs of these populations and can provide equality in learning opportunities.

Practical implications

To assist with the needs of this changing student population, university leaders must consider generational characteristics to ensure equity in learning opportunity. Specifically, university leaders and educators in the classrooms will need to adapt and adjust for a changing student population providing instruction that meets the needs of multiple generations of learners, often within one classroom.

Originality/value

Often when we think of diversity in the classroom we think of age, gender, race or even culture. Today we must add diversity in generations. Unlike other equity issues in education such as access (McLaughlin, 2010), educators may not be considering the equity in the design of their instruction to provide equitable learning experiences based on a learners’ knowledge and skills established by their experiences with technology. The lack of knowledge and skills a learner has with technology based on their experiences may create barriers to their ability to understand and complete instructional content involving technology (Wager, 2005). To ensure all learners can be successful, educators should strive to provide equality in learning opportunities when designing instruction including technology.

Details

The International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4880

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2008

Ela Klecun

The purpose of this paper is to critique the discourse of the digital divide and to propose ways of responding to digital inequalities.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique the discourse of the digital divide and to propose ways of responding to digital inequalities.

Design/methodology/approach

Illustrations of arguments are based on reviews of academic literature, projects reports, policy documents and research findings from the Penceil project, and are informed by critical theory. The research consisted of 47 semi‐structured interviews and action research involving designing an e‐literacy curriculum and running a course based on it.

Findings

A discourse of missed opportunities and “being left behind”, present in policy statements and popular media, leads to objectifying non‐users of information and communication technologies (ICT) as “others”. This discourse is often internalised by non‐users, but it does not necessarily lead to positive actions, leaving some feeling inadequate. So far initiatives seeking to address the digital divide have had moderate success. To respond to digital exclusion we need to oppose the unchecked spread of e‐services, and help non‐users of ICT to become users or (if they choose to) informed “refusniks”. Initiatives aiming to facilitate people's sustainable and meaningful use of ICT ought to draw on individual and community resources. A curriculum should be determined by learners' experiences and their expressions of needs, and go beyond IT skills.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not offer a comprehensive review of digital exclusion, concentrating instead on chosen problems and arguments. It is based on the UK experience, and thus more relevant to developed rather than developing countries.

Practical implications

The paper raises awareness of different issues related to digital exclusion and ways of addressing them.

Originality/value

The paper calls to question current discourse and initiatives addressing the digital divide, highlighting their limitations. It presents alternative ways of responding to digital exclusion.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 April 2022

Liping Liu, Mingchao Li and Shanshan Ji

This research explores the appropriateness of using a digital learning system based on a multiplayer online animated game in firefighting education and training. Use of the game…

Abstract

Purpose

This research explores the appropriateness of using a digital learning system based on a multiplayer online animated game in firefighting education and training. Use of the game improved learning was effective. It can increase learners' understanding of the taught content and their willingness to learn.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies digital learning based on a multiplayer online animated game coupled with 3D and virtual reality (VR) technology. To verify the effectiveness of this approach, participants were divided into two groups, an experimental group (using the game) and a control group (not using the game). T-tests were used to compare the learning of the two groups.

Findings

Firefighting knowledge was significantly better among the experimental group than the control group. Learning was explored in three different domains: basic firefighting knowledge, fire extinguisher operation and fire source identification; the latter two showed statistically significant differences. After learners acquired knowledge from multimedia, the addition of a VR exercise effectively helped them to remember what they learned and increased their understanding of the taught content.

Originality/value

The approach proposed in this study applies digital learning via a multiplayer online animated game to explore the appropriateness of such games in firefighting education and training. Use of the game improved learning and was effective. It can not only increase learners' understanding of the taught content, but also their willingness to learn.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 17000