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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Ching-Ting Hsin, Ying-Hsueh Cheng and Chin-Chung Tsai

The purpose of this paper is to explore educational researchers’ online literature searching and sourcing strategies.

1842

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore educational researchers’ online literature searching and sourcing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting a multiple-case study approach, the authors conducted interviews and compared strategies employed by three groups of researchers: less-experienced doctoral students, experienced doctoral students, and junior faculty.

Findings

The results showed that the three groups differed in four searching strategies and two sourcing strategies. The former included: using and modifying keywords, doing advanced searches to narrow down or expand results, chaining, and networking to retrieve literature, while the latter consisted of: evaluating and selecting multiple-source articles, and self-monitoring the multiple-source searching process. The findings also revealed that the experienced doctoral students and junior faculty were able to adopt searching and sourcing strategies flexibly and simultaneously for the purpose of determining more relevant and useful sources. The findings suggest that these researchers, especially the less-experienced students, need specialized training to acquire sourcing strategies in order to critically evaluate relevant information or scholarly work to fulfill their research purposes.

Originality/value

Information seeking, an essential part of scholars’ work, has been widely examined across disciplines. However, few studies have explored scholars’ searching and sourcing behaviors for online academic literature. This study fulfilled the research gap.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 40 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2018

Eleni Dermentzi and Savvas Papagiannidis

The need for universities to connect with local communities and to make research relevant to the public has been highlighted over recent years through the debate about public…

Abstract

Purpose

The need for universities to connect with local communities and to make research relevant to the public has been highlighted over recent years through the debate about public engagement. At the same time, the internet and its applications have made it possible for universities and academics to engage with the public in an easier and more effective way. The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that motivate academics to engage with the public online.

Design/methodology/approach

The decomposed theory of planned behaviour and uses and gratifications theory were used as a basis for the study’s research model. An online survey was conducted and 250 valid responses were used for the data analysis (structural equation modelling).

Findings

The results indicate that although academics seem to use online technologies for public engagement, this use takes the form of a one-way communication as the most influential factors of attitude when it comes to engaging with the public are image and information seeking rather than networking.

Originality/value

While there are some studies about the use of online technologies for teaching or for networking purposes within academia, little is known about academics’ intentions to engage with the public online. The study attempts to fill this gap and help universities understand their staff’s motivation and needs, which could be useful when it comes to launching successful public engagement campaigns.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2017

Zilia Iskoujina, Malgorzata Ciesielska, Joanne Roberts and Feng Li

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the definitions, dimensions, and classifications of online communities together with their potential to produce value for business…

1924

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the definitions, dimensions, and classifications of online communities together with their potential to produce value for business. Those value options are then discussed in the context of empirical vignettes showing examples of business models focussed on one of the two potential benefits coming from online communities – clear financial gains and intangible long-run returns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses systematic literature review method. In total, 67 academic paper in the area of business and management were chosen for the analysis.

Findings

The literature review shows multitude of online communities definitions and classifications, but hardly any comprehensive attempt to map the phenomena in full. This paper is looking into recognising potential revenue streams from online businesses and other non-financial benefits that can be combined to create strong and sustainable value proposition.

Originality/value

Drawing on the literature reviewed a novel categorisation of the commercial opportunities offered by the online communities is presented. These opportunities are discussed in a context of business model design.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 October 2020

Tsai-Yun Mou and Chia-Pin Kao

This study explored preservice and in-service early childhood teachers' online academic learning beliefs and strategies.

Abstract

Purpose

This study explored preservice and in-service early childhood teachers' online academic learning beliefs and strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Two hundred preservice and in-service teachers respectively from Taiwan participated in this research. A focus group discussion was carried out concerning the development of the questionnaires. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed good construct validity and reliabilities of the survey.

Findings

The survey results showed that in-service teachers generally held more sophisticated learning beliefs than the preservice teachers in all scales. Also, in-service teachers responded with a higher level of online academic learning strategies than the preservice teachers did. Regarding their online experiences, preservice teachers who spent an appropriate amount of time online had more positive beliefs than those with excessive online experiences. However, preservice teachers did not reveal employment of their ICT literacy in their online academic learning strategies. It was found that those in-service teachers with more online learning experience also showed higher levels of online academic learning beliefs. They used more deep strategies in their online academic learning.

Practical implications

The findings of this study could provide insights for the development of online academic learning ability in preschool teacher training programs.

Originality/value

(1) In-service teachers generally held more sophisticated learning beliefs than the preservice teachers. (2) Preservice teachers who spent an appropriate amount of time online had more positive beliefs than those with excessive online experiences. (3) Preservice teachers did not reveal employment of their ICT literacy in their online academic learning strategies. (4) In-service teachers with more online learning experience also showed higher levels of online academic learning beliefs. They used more deep strategies in their online academic learning.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 45 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 March 2022

Gavin Baxter and Thomas Hainey

This article aims to explore student views from a UK higher educational institution about the concept of remote online higher educational delivery. Students were asked about…

4144

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to explore student views from a UK higher educational institution about the concept of remote online higher educational delivery. Students were asked about opinions towards working remotely and the psychological impact this had upon students and students' studies. The research provided students with the opportunity to reflect upon whether the practice of delivering education remotely continues to provide students with a beneficial student learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopted a case study methodology utilising a mixed methods approach via questionnaire-based research. In total, 894 students completed the questionnaire. The aim of the research was to obtain a wide breadth of student opinion from multidisciplinary backgrounds to ascertain whether students' learning experience differed per subject area.

Findings

The research identified some interesting findings, namely that certain participants considered that learning remotely online was beneficial for instant feedback, supported motivation and fostered communities of practice. Negative perspectives related to feeling isolated, unmotivated and a preference towards face-to-face (F2F) delivery. One of the main areas of conflict identified from this study is that the aspect of engagement can impact students' online learning both positively and negatively.

Originality/value

The study provides an in-depth multidisciplinary student tertiary perspective relating to online remote learning. The findings from this study can be useful for educators to reflect upon and inform educational policy in relation to how best to facilitate and support the student learning experience off-campus.

Details

Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-7604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Megawati Soekarno, Mohamad Isa Abd Jalil, Suddin Lada, Siti Hajar Samsu, Mohammad Zulfakhairi Mokthar and Shariff Umar Shariff Abd Kadir

The world after the pandemic of Covid-19 is looking at a different environment in teaching and learning and primarily being influenced by general online learning readiness…

Abstract

Purpose

The world after the pandemic of Covid-19 is looking at a different environment in teaching and learning and primarily being influenced by general online learning readiness. Perception towards the measurement of online learning readiness would also need to change. This study seeks to determine whether Malaysian undergraduate students are ready to study online if the Movement Control Order (MCO) is reimposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online poll, this study analysed 299 undergraduate students from Malaysia's public and private universities. The collected data were then analysed using SmartPLS software to test the measurement model and structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that computer self-efficacy and self-directed learning have a substantially positive link with online learning preparedness among Malaysian undergraduate students.

Research limitations/implications

Findings in this study indicate that universities should draw comprehensive plans to enhance students' readiness in terms of indicators such as technology usage, technology availability, computer and internet efficacy, self-directed learning and attitude. One of the aspects that require change is online communication self-efficacy. Thus, there is a need for improvement, or this would affect undergraduates adversely, especially in the event of future MCO.

Originality/value

The originality of this article lies in the time frame this study was conducted, where cases of coronavirus infection are seen to increase around the world and there is a possibility that movement restrictions will be re-enforced. The findings in this study are expected to give insight to the government in the effort of the national higher education plan. By not undervaluing previous research models, this research model should give a new perspective to the academic literature on online learning among undergraduate students.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2011

Liyi Zhang and Wei Ma

This paper aims to investigate the use of mobile reading among Chinese college students and to provide a statistical analysis of correlation between the users' educational level…

2602

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the use of mobile reading among Chinese college students and to provide a statistical analysis of correlation between the users' educational level and their mobile reading behavior. The result can be used as a reference for the differentiated marketing of the mobile reading service provider.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an online questionnaire oriented to Chinese college students, including undergraduate and graduate students. The questionnaire includes questions related to the profiles and mobile reading behaviors of the respondents. The survey lasted from 15 April to 15 June 2010 and 479 responses were received.

Findings

Mobile reading is in its early stages of development and has huge market potential in China. The pay‐reading service only makes up a small, slowly growing share. Well educated users are more inclined to pay for academic papers while other users prefer online literature. In general, mobile reading services have yet to become more and more popular by improving user segmentation, expanding the scope of service and conducting precise price marketing in China.

Practical implications

This study can help mobile reading service providers to gather information on user behavior and launch better mobile reading services.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to investigate the market of mobile reading in China. The paper provides suggestions for further improvement of the mobile reading service and help service providers better understand users' demands. Also it may provide some useful information for further research in mobile reading.

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2009

Jennifer Rowley

The purpose of this paper is to report on exploratory research that aims to contribute to knowledge on online branding, and the way in which the online channel is being used to…

28142

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on exploratory research that aims to contribute to knowledge on online branding, and the way in which the online channel is being used to support brands. The focus of this research is the top multi‐channel UK fashion retailers.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analyses were performed on the web sites of a number of top fashion and clothing retailers, plus three supermarket chains with a strong presence in clothes retailing. An analysis of the extent to which the retailers were using their web site to provide online services and information provided a context for a more detailed analysis of online branding strategies, including communicating brand identity and presence, and building brand relationships.

Findings

Most top “non‐value” fashion retailers offer transactions through their web site, offering extended opportunities for brand engagement and experience. While all fashion retailers achieve consistency of visual identity between the online and other channels, their use of the online channel to communicate brand values, and to promote brand relationships is underdeveloped. There is evidence of some innovative practice, but also scope for considerable further development of the notion of online branding. Research into online and multi‐channel branding has a role to play in supporting this process.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution to the under‐researched area of online branding, through a study of the online branding activities of top multi‐channel UK fashion retailers.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 19 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2022

Xiaoyu Chen

This study aims to investigate motivators, mediator and moderator of users' sustained information seeking on academic social networking sites (ASNSs).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate motivators, mediator and moderator of users' sustained information seeking on academic social networking sites (ASNSs).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the expectancy–value theory and related information-seeking literature, the study developed a theoretical model to explain why and how users intend to continue seeking information on ASNSs. Thereafter, a field survey with 385 participants was conducted to test the model. Finally, a content analysis of participants' post-survey feedback was performed to complement the model test results by showing more fine-grained findings.

Findings

Results suggest that information usefulness and information adoption (IA) are significant to users' sustained information seeking on ASNSs, while users' satisfaction with ASNSs may play a mediating role in the relationship between information usefulness and sustained information seeking. Additionally, self-efficacy for critical thinking (SCT) weakens the impact of IA on users' satisfaction with ASNSs. The post-survey feedback analysis indicates that information usefulness is more critical to sustained information seeking for users with high SCT, whereas IA becomes more crucial to users' satisfaction with ASNSs and sustained information seeking for users with low SCT.

Originality/value

Although the extant literature has distinguished between information seeking and sustained information seeking, empirical research into users' sustained information seeking on ASNSs is limited. The study fills this gap by proposing and validating relevant factors and the boundary condition of users' sustained information seeking.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 75 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2023

Gavin Baxter and Thomas Hainey

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate undergraduate student perceptions about the application of immersive technologies for enhancing the student learning experience. This…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate undergraduate student perceptions about the application of immersive technologies for enhancing the student learning experience. This study assesses the viewpoints of students from varying multidisciplinary backgrounds about whether immersive technologies can enhance their learning experience and increase their level of engagement in the context of higher educational delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a case study methodology adopting a questionnaire-based research mixed methods approach. In total, 83 participants completed the questionnaire. The purpose of the research was to evaluate and interpret students’ perspectives at higher educational level about the use of immersive technologies towards enhancing their learning experience. There was also a focus on remote educational delivery due to the legacy of COVID-19.

Findings

The findings suggest that there is still more empirical work to be undertaken regarding the application of immersive technologies in higher education. The study revealed that there are immersive benefits though preference for face-to-face teaching remains popular. The negative connotations associated with immersive technology use in higher education, (e.g. virtual reality), such as cost of equipment and motion sickness, substantiates the themes identified in the academic literature.

Originality/value

The study explores a diversity of immersive technologies and their application in higher education (HE) contexts. Findings indicate that although there are acknowledged pedagogical benefits of immersive technology use in HE prevalent barriers remain that require further empirical research if immersive technology use is to be universally used in the sector.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 59000