Paper Info
Title
Networked e-information services to support the e-learning process at UAE University
Abstract
AbstractPurpose -- This paper aims to focus on how the e-library interoperates with the e-learning process within the academic computing environment (ACE) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).Design/methodology/approach -- This paper is inspired by the existing findings of a questionnaire survey conducted by the Laptop Project at the UAEU (2002-2003) and sequel research (2004-2005) on the acceptance and adoption of the Blackboard, a web-based instructional platform, by the students. Personal interviews were conducted with the instructors who were involved in the e-learning initiative to find out the appropriate e-information services that should be provided to support their respective Blackboard-aided courses.Findings -- The paper finds that the instructors have viewed e-learning as a sound instructional tool and an evolving genre capable of providing more than just textual information. According to their viewpoints, the e-library could support e-learning courses with a bundle of networked e-information services such as development of course-related electronic collections, virtual reference help, current awareness and SDI, online document delivery, etc. E-literacy was found to play an essential role in fostering adoption and acceptance of e-learning, whereas the language barrier has constrained e-learning initiative in the colleges where Arabic is the teaching language, i.e. Blackboard does not support creation of Arabic contents and interface so far.Practical implications -- The capabilities of the e-library in providing networked e-information services have made the integration with the e-learning process a highly urgent requirement.Originality/value -- A model representing the integration of the e-library functions with the e-learning process is presented in the paper. The proposed model could be applicable in learning settings within an academic computing environment.
Year
DOI
Venue
2007
10.1108/02640470710754850
Periodicals
Keywords
DocType
Volume
libraries,e-learning,information services,United Arab Emirates
Journal
25
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
3
0264-0473
3
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.50
8
1
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Ahmed Taha1125.61