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1 – 10 of over 28000
Article
Publication date: 14 August 2020

Yun-Fang Tu and Gwo-Jen Hwang

This study aims to explore the transformation of the roles of libraries, application trends and potential research issues of library-supported mobile learning.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the transformation of the roles of libraries, application trends and potential research issues of library-supported mobile learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The publications in the Scopus database from 2009 to 2018 are reviewed and analyzed from various aspects, such as the roles of libraries in mobile learning, types of libraries, research foci and sensing or location-based technologies.

Findings

The role of libraries as learning material providers is examined the most in library-supported mobile learning studies, followed by the role as inquiry context providers and as knowledge-sharing platforms. In terms of the role as learning material providers, academic libraries were investigated the most and radio frequency identification (RFID) was mainly adopted. In terms of the role as inquiry context providers, special libraries were explored the most; adopted sensing technologies were more diverse (e.g. QR code, augmented reality, RFID and Global Positioning System). Only special libraries played a role as knowledge-sharing platforms, adopting augmented reality. Most research on library-supported mobile learning mainly focused on investigating the affective domain during mobile learning.

Practical implications

Five potential applications of educational roles in library-supported mobile learning are suggested based on the findings of the present study.

Originality/value

The current study provides insights relevant to the educational roles of library-supported mobile learning. The findings and suggestions can serve as references for researchers and school teachers conducting library-supported mobile learning.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2016

Umi Hanim Mohd Ibrahim, Fathinirna Mohd Arshad, Mazlan Zulkifly and Janet Woo Tai Kwan

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the progress of iRadio OUM over the years, the evolution of technology used and its overall significance to OUM’s continual growth and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the progress of iRadio OUM over the years, the evolution of technology used and its overall significance to OUM’s continual growth and development.

Design/methodology/approach

Reports the results from web analytic data from previous years in terms of listening and downloading habits and trends. Reviews of how other institutions and/or organisations use podcasting or audio learning material in the teaching and learning process are also included.

Findings

Outlines the progress of iRadio OUM through the years in terms of content development, listening and downloading trends as well as research and development carried out. This paper summarises the changes in how segments are structured, produced and delivered. It also outlines the evolution of the technology used, mainly in terms of how content is delivered to the audience.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of the paper is such that it only highlights the experiences of iRadio OUM alone.

Practical implications

Offers practical advice in terms of the planning, development and implementation of an educational internet radio for higher learning institutions.

Originality/value

This paper is written by key team members of iRadio OUM itself and highlights the experiences and ultimately the best practices discovered by actual web-broadcast practitioners and audio learning materials instructional designers.

Details

Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1858-3431

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 19 December 2013

Michael Shaw

This chapter makes the case that school-related material and informally used content need to be considered equally important as complete, higher education (HE)-level courses when…

Abstract

This chapter makes the case that school-related material and informally used content need to be considered equally important as complete, higher education (HE)-level courses when exploring how open education (OE) is used in practice. It provides a brief overview of several key HE and school-related OE projects, what they offer, their approximate reach and the significance of established brands, with short case studies of TES Connect, Khan Academy and TESSA. It also examines the evidence of impact on students, and how some of the projects counter criticism that they promote ‘closed’ forms of traditional, instructor-led education through blended and flipped teaching approaches or peer-led learning.

The purpose of the chapter is to explore how OE sites are used in practice by examining some of the key projects that provide free materials to students and teachers.

This chapter provides an overview of some of the biggest OE providers online, drawing particular attention to those that provide school-level material instead of just HE-level resources. It examines the motives of open education resources (OER) users, and provides mini case studies of a selection of HE-level and school-level projects. It also explores the reach and impact of the schemes, the significance of brand and the criticism that they simply provide a new form of ‘closed’ education. This provides a handy overview of key OE projects and an introduction to the significance of school-related projects. It should be a source of material of special interest to those involved in teacher training or development, or in OE from either a school or a university.

This chapter makes an original case for school teachers to have greater recognition in the discussion about OE, and reveals a finding from an international poll of more than a quarter of million teachers who use OE resources with their students.

Findings of this chapter indicate that the significance of school-level OE has been underestimated, given the extent of user-generated teaching material available and teachers’ powers to multiply the reach of a single downloaded resource to several classes of students.

The overview however is not exhaustive, and the author stresses the problematic nature of attempting to compare projects that deliver different kinds of content for different contexts.

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

Thomas Clarke and Antoine Hermens

The combination of the demand for access to continuous, flexible education and training, and the arrival of the increased bandwidth of more powerful information and communication…

3533

Abstract

The combination of the demand for access to continuous, flexible education and training, and the arrival of the increased bandwidth of more powerful information and communication technologies is stimulating extensive corporate developments in the e‐learning industry. Strategic alliances of leading universities, e‐learning and technology companies are forming to provide online delivery of sophisticated, media rich, interactive education and training on a global basis. Hundreds of e‐learning companies are competing in this new marketspace with content, technology and services. Major companies are establishing their own corporate universities. The question is whether the potential for interactive online knowledge communities is achieved, or if this new technology is primarily employed in relatively routine skills training.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 43 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2007

Dawn G. Gregg

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the advantages of using intelligent agents to facilitate the location and customization of appropriate e‐learning resources and to…

3257

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the advantages of using intelligent agents to facilitate the location and customization of appropriate e‐learning resources and to foster collaboration in e‐learning environments.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an e‐learning environment that can be used to provide customized learning. It utilizes a set of interacting agents that can personalize instruction based on an individual's prior knowledge as well as their cognitive and learning needs. The e‐learning agents monitor the e‐learning environment and improve learning and collaboration based on learners' prior knowledge, social characteristics and learning style.

Findings

E‐learning agents should allow the discovery of new learning objects more easily, allow learners to customize materials presented to improve learning outcomes, and improve collaboration in the e‐learning environment.

Originality/value

Little prior research has been done on the use of agents in e‐learning environments. This paper proposes a set of e‐learning agents that, if implemented in online education or training environments, should provide tangible benefits to organizations.

Details

The Learning Organization, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-6474

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2007

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

With sufficient information, agents should be able to the select the most appropriate learning materials for individual learners based on both topics covered and learner characteristics, thus improving learning outcomes. Agents can also monitor learning effectiveness so the benefits of the e‐learning program can be assessed by the organization.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Details

Development and Learning in Organizations: An International Journal, vol. 21 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7282

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 October 2021

Yun-Fang Tu, Gwo-Jen Hwang, Shu-Yen Chen, Chiulin Lai and Chuan-Miao Chen

This study aims to compare similarities and differences in library and information science (LIS) and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions and perceptions of smart libraries via…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to compare similarities and differences in library and information science (LIS) and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions and perceptions of smart libraries via drawing analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a total of 156 undergraduate students described their perceptions of smart libraries as drawings and textual descriptions. A modified coding scheme with 8 categories and 51 subcategories was used to analyse the undergraduate students’ drawings.

Findings

Most of the undergraduate students’ conceptions of smart libraries still involve self-checkout and learning/reading, focusing on information appliances, technical services, activities and objects. The differences are that the LIS undergraduates’ drawings showed smart libraries with robots, interactive book borrowing with technology tools, intelligent services, location-aware services or mobile applications, whereas non-LIS undergraduates presented smart libraries as readers (learners), other activities and no smart technology services. LIS undergraduates focused on providing patron services with technologies. Non-LIS undergraduates were more likely to draw a complex space with immediate access to books or digital resources, quiet reading and the freedom to engage in library activities.

Originality/value

The results provide a baseline for future research on the topic and provide preliminary evidence of using the methods to discern LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 July 2011

Anup Kumar Das

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the evolution of open educational resources OER initiatives in India – how OER movement emerges from the open access movement in…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the evolution of open educational resources OER initiatives in India – how OER movement emerges from the open access movement in the backdrop of an emerging knowledge‐based economy. This paper also illustrates how OER help in democratizing lifelong learning spaces that eventually help in skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper primarily uses baseline surveys and recommendations of different working groups of Indian National Knowledge Commission. Relevant policy instruments of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, UNESCO, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and other national and international bodies are also critically examined to understand India's stand on OER in comparison with other promising developing countries. This paper analyses impact of OER on Indian systems of education, ranging from lifelong learning, technical and vocational education and training to higher education systems. This paper also illustrates various models of innovations which are shaping up multi‐dimensional lifelong learning pathways to cater to career aspirations of young Indians.

Findings

This paper finds out that Indian OER initiatives make use of textual platforms as well as audio‐visual platforms embracing YouTube, Metacafe and other web‐based streaming video channels. This paper also illustrates the collaboration patterns in OER initiatives in order to attain sustainability, optimum usage and integration with formal curriculum of skills development programmes.

Research limitations/implications

Although this paper identifies external as well as internal factors that are shaping up OER movement in this emerging knowledge economy, this paper mainly focuses on country‐level initiatives. The challenges faced at the institutional level as well as users level can be traced through advanced research studies.

Practical implications

This paper suggests some sustainable models for OER deployment, lessons learned and challenges faced by practitioners and users communities.

Social implications

OER development has become a social movement. Proper deployment and utilization of OER resources will lead to social empowerment of young adults. This paper helps in understanding how Indian society embraces OER in order to attain social justice and empowerment through sustainable educational development.

Originality/value

This paper is a unique attempt to produce a state‐of‐the‐art report on the emergence of the OER movement in a transitional emerging economy.

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Peter Williams, Barrie Gunter and David Nicholas

To evaluate a remote learning initiative involving filming live lectures and disseminating these via digital interactive television (DiTV), satellite to PC terminals and VHS…

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate a remote learning initiative involving filming live lectures and disseminating these via digital interactive television (DiTV), satellite to PC terminals and VHS cassette. This was accompanied by online learning materials.

Design/methodology/approach

In‐depth interviews were used for the aspects of the study reported in this paper, and included meetings with all the various stakeholders in the project.

Findings

A number of barriers prevented full use of the DiTV and satellite/PC element of the service, including a major problem of access, with terminals being remote from learners' places of work; in rooms that were often occupied by doctors in meetings or locked at night (thus precluding usage by night‐working staff); and staff not having network permissions. Other problems included a lack of awareness about project responsibilities, which led to problems in student recruitment, information dissemination and general student support.

Research limitations/implications

As the DiTV and satellite‐PC elements of the service did not attract a large take‐up, it was not possible to undertake a comprehensive examination of the effectiveness of these media.

Practical implications

A number of practical implications were elicited from the project. The researchers suggest a model of service delivery to obviate these.

Originality/value

The initiative of putting together various academic course providers and NHS Trusts to provide this kind of remote learning is highly innovative and, with the NHS Institute for Learning, Skills and Innovation currently being developed, the findings from this study should inform this initiative and provide a model for future roll‐out of distance learning in the NHS.

Details

Health Education, vol. 106 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

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