Students’ use of digital learning resources: diversity, motivations and challenges
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-06-2019-0048 |
| Date | 11 November 2019 |
| Published date | 11 November 2019 |
| Pages | 758-772 |
| Author | Swiga Alphonce,Kelefa Mwantimwa |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Students’use of digital learning
resources: diversity, motivations
and challenges
Swiga Alphonce
Library Department, Teofilo Kisanji University, Mbeya,
United Republic of Tanzania, and
Kelefa Mwantimwa
Information Studies Unit, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam,
United Republic of Tanzania
Abstract
Purpose –With the advent of ICTs, a large percentageof university students are shifting their interest and
focus on digital learningresources from print ones. This study aims to examine the diversity, motivationsand
challengesstudents face in using these learning resources at TeofiloKisanji University (TEKU) in Tanzania.
Design/methodology/approach –The researchers used elementsof both quantitative and qualitative
research approaches ina complementary fashion. The study draws upon cross-sectionsurvey data collected
from students (n= 90) alongside follow-up key informants semi-structured interviews with library and
academicstaff (n= 10).
Findings –The study’sfindingssignify that internet resources are significantly deployed by studentsthan
other resources such as CD-ROM,e-books, journals, slides and audio clips. The findings further informthat
the wide range of these resourcesand 24/7 convenient access are important motivating factors for theirusage.
On the other hand, the cost of internet services, limited searching competencies and limited subscribed
databasesinhibit effective and efficient usage of these by students at TEKU.
Originality/value –The present study clearly discloses students’motivations for accessing and using
digital learningresources.
Keywords Digital learning resources, Digital information resources, Online resources,
Electronic resources, Diversity, Motivations
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Digital learning resources are becoming more popular and increasingly important at every
level of education for diverse purposes (Bernzins and Hudson, 2011;Garg et al.,2017). In
fact, the growing presence of digital learning resources has sparked chains of
transformations among academic institutions (Masinde and Okoh, 2011). This revolution
has brought about dramatic changes in terms of information storage, access and retrieval.
Following these changes, university students are shifting their interests to digital learning
resources than print ones (Egberongbez, 2011;Ani and Ahiauzu, 2008). Describe this
change, Tsakonas and Papatheodorou(2006) state that:
The transition from print to electronic medium, apart from resulting in a growth of
electronic information, has provided users with new tools and applications for information
seeking and retrieval. Print medium is increasingly giving way to the electronic form of
materials (p. 400).
ILS
120,11/12
758
Received2 June 2019
Revised18 September 2019
2 October2019
3 October2019
Accepted3 October 2019
Informationand Learning
Sciences
Vol.120 No. 11/12, 2019
pp. 758-772
© Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-06-2019-0048
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