Web challenges faced by blind and vision impaired users in libraries of Delhi

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 242-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shailendra Kumar ◽  
Gareema Sanaman
Keyword(s):  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Web Accessibility ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Website Design ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Web Access ◽  
Accessibility Issues ◽  
The Web

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the challenges faced by blind/vision-impaired users during the web access in the leading academic and special libraries of Delhi, India. Design/methodology/approach – Survey methodology has been used as the basic research tool for data collection with the help of questionnaire. A total of 125 users surveyed in all the five libraries are selected randomly on the basis of willingness of the users to participate in the survey with the experience of working in digital environment. The survey results were tabulated and analysed with descriptive statistics methods using Excel software and “Stata version 11”. Findings – There are various barriers faced by blind/vision-impaired users in the libraries of Delhi (India) during the “web access” with the help of assistive technologies as assistive technology like “Screen Readers” available today are “somewhat compatible” with the web. The facility of “web-based catalogue” is generally lacking in Delhi libraries. Research limitations/implications – The paper does not offer a comprehensive set of web accessibility issues, concentrating instead on the most common problems as epitome of this study. Practical implications – The paper raises awareness of web accessibility issues in libraries of Delhi, India. Originality/value – The paper highlights the web accessibility issues faced by blind/vision-impaired users of leading academic and special libraries of India including the users’ recommendations for the accessible web page/website design for the first time.

Understanding Semantic Web: a conceptual model

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 82-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Calaresu ◽  
Ali Shiri
Keyword(s):  
Semantic Web ◽  
Conceptual Model ◽  
The Body ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Software Applications ◽  
Web Architecture ◽  
The Web

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to explore and conceptualize the Semantic Web as a term that has been widely mentioned in the literature of library and information science. More specifically, its aim is to shed light on the evolution of the Web and to highlight a previously proposed means of attempting to improve automated manipulation of Web-based data in the context of a rapidly expanding base of both users and digital content. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual analysis presented in this paper adopts a three-dimensional model for the discussion of Semantic Web. The first dimension focuses on Semantic Web’s basic nature, purpose and history, as well as the current state and limitations of modern search systems and related software agents. The second dimension focuses on critical knowledge structures such as taxonomies, thesauri and ontologies which are understood as fundamental elements in the creation of a Semantic Web architecture. In the third dimension, an alternative conceptual model is proposed, one, which unlike more commonly prevalent Semantic Web models, offers a greater emphasis on describing the proposed structure from an interpretive viewpoint, rather than a technical one. This paper adopts an interpretive, historical and conceptual approach to the notion of the Semantic Web by reviewing the literature and by analyzing the developments associated with the Web over the past three decades. It proposes a simplified conceptual model for easy understanding. Findings – The paper provides a conceptual model of the Semantic Web that encompasses four key strata, namely, the body of human users, the body of software applications facilitating creation and consumption of documents, the body of documents themselves and a proposed layer that would improve automated manipulation of Web-based data by the software applications. Research limitations/implications – This paper will facilitate a better conceptual understanding of the Semantic Web, and thereby contribute, in a small way, to the larger body of discourse surrounding it. The conceptual model will provide a reference point for education and research purposes. Originality/value – This paper provides an original analysis of both conceptual and technical aspects of Semantic Web. The proposed conceptual model provides a new perspective on this subject.

A web-based 3D virtual display framework for warp-knitted seamless garment design

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-346
Author(s):  
Zhijia Dong ◽  
Gaoming Jiang ◽  
Guoming Huang ◽  
Honglian Cong
Keyword(s):  
Geometric Modeling ◽  
3D Model ◽  
Texture Mapping ◽  
Design System ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Virtual Display ◽  
Garment Design ◽  
The Web

Purpose The virtual display of 3D garment is one of the most important features in a computer-aided garment design system. The purpose of this paper is to present a novel web-based 3D virtual display framework for the online design of warp-knitted seamless garment using the latest WebGL and HTML5 technologies. Design/methodology/approach Based on the feature-based parametric 3D human body model, the 3D model of skin-tight warp-knitted seamless garment is established using the geometric modeling method. By applying plane parameterization technology, the 3D garment model is then projected into corresponding 2D prototype pattern and a texture-mapping relationship is obtained. Finally, an online 3D virtual display application framework for warp-knitted seamless garment is implemented on modern WebGL-enabled web browsers using the latest WebGL and HTML5 technologies, which allow garment designers to globally access without installing any additional software or plugin. Findings Based on the 2D/3D model of warp-knitted seamless garment, an online 3D virtual display application running on modern WebGL-enabled web browser is implemented using the latest Javascript, WebGL and HTML5 technologies, which is proven to be an effective way for building the web-based 3D garment CAD systems. Originality/value This paper provides a parametric design method for warp-knitted seamless garment 2D/3D model, and web-based online virtual display of 3D warp-knitted seamless garment is implemented for the first time, which establishes the foundation for the web-based online computer-aided warp-knitted seamless garment design system.

Factors Influencing Web Accessibility of Corporate Information

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Harmandeep Singh ◽  
Arwinder Singh
Keyword(s):  
Web Accessibility ◽  
Business Communication ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Company Size ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
External Stakeholders ◽  
Corporate Information ◽  
Prevalent Form ◽  
The Web

With the rapidly growing demand for corporate information from the external stakeholders, the Internet is a crucial instrument for meeting the required information. The web-based disclosure is an improvised version of the traditional form of disclosure with enhanced technology. In spite of that, web-based disclosure is the most prevalent form of business communication, and the accessibility of corporate information on webpages is a concern area for the organization. Thus, this article is an attempt to study the web accessibility of corporate information disclosed by 100 large BSE listed Indian companies and also to identify the firm determinants that affect the web accessibility of corporate information. The study reveals that the web-accessibility of the company website is increased with company size and company listing age. It also shows that companies with a low market risk have more concerns for the web accessibility of corporate information. The results of the study are helpful for the organizations to make policies for the advancement of web accessibility on the webpages.

Specification of the Context of Use for the Development of Web-Based Applications

2011 ◽  
pp. 146-162
Author(s):  
Marta Fernández de Arriba ◽  
Eugenia Díaz ◽  
Jesús Rodríguez Pérez
Keyword(s):  
Web Applications ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Web Content ◽  
Disabled People ◽  
Technological Environment ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Development Team ◽  
Context Of Use ◽  
The Web

This chapter presents the structure of an index which serves as support so allowing the development team to create the specification of the context of use document for the development of Web applications, bearing in mind characteristics of usability and accessibility, each point of the index being explained in detail. A correct preparation of this document ensures the quality of the developed Web applications. The international rules and standards related to the identification of the context of use have been taken into account. Also, the functionality limitations (sensorial, physical, or cognitive) which affect access to the Web are described, as well as the technological environment used by disabled people (assistive technologies or alternative browsers) to facilitate their access to the Web content. Therefore, following the developed specification of the context of use, usable and accessible Web applications with their corresponding benefits can be created.

Web-Based Survey of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in First-Year Tertiary Education Students in Hong Kong

2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (9) ◽  
pp. 777-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josephine G.W.S. Wong ◽  
Erik P.T. Cheung ◽  
Kitty K.C. Chan ◽  
Kamela K.M. Ma ◽  
Siu Wa Tang
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Survey Methodology ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
First Year ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Web Based ◽  
College Life ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
The Web

Objective: The mental health of tertiary education students is an area of increasing concern worldwide. The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress in first-year tertiary education students in Hong Kong. Method: Depression, anxiety and stress were measured by the 42-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, completed on the web by participating students anonymously. Results: A total of 7915 students completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 27.5%. Depression, anxiety and stress levels of moderate severity or above were found in 21%, 41% and 27% of our respondents, respectively. Conclusions: The web-based survey methodology was well accepted by our sample group of tertiary education students. We found high rates of psychological morbidity in first-year tertiary education students in Hong Kong. The high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms in the first year of college life is alarming. It illustrates the need for primary and secondary prevention measures, with development of adequate and appropriate support services for this group.

Web‐based OPACs in Indian academic libraries: a functional comparison

2007 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanta Kapoor ◽  
O.P. Goyal
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Source Of Information ◽  
The Web

PurposeThe paper seeks to provide a comparative analysis of the functionality of five web‐based OPACs available in Indian academic libraries.Design/methodology/approachSame‐topic searches were carried out by three researchers on the web‐based OPACs of Libsys, VTLS's iPortal, NewGenLib, Troodon, and Alice for Windows, implemented in five academic libraries in India. Their functionality was compared using criteria selected from the literature on OPAC searching.FindingsThe web‐based OPACs investigated offered a range of facilities for searching by author, title, control number and by keywords. Federated searching across several e‐collections was limited.Originality/valueThis paper should be a useful source of information to librarians who are planning to introduce web‐based OPACs and also for software vendors who wish to improve the functionality of their products.

The influence of learning style on satisfaction and learning effectiveness in the asynchronous web-based learning system

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei-Fei Cheng ◽  
Chui-Chen Chiu ◽  
Chin-Shan Wu ◽  
Der-Chian Tsaih
Keyword(s):  
Learning Styles ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Learning Effectiveness ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Web Based Learning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Web

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of user’s learning style (including accommodators, divergers, convergers, and assimilators) on user’s satisfaction on the web-based learning system and their learning effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach This experimental research used the college students from a technology institute in Taiwan as the subject sources. By using the Kolb’s learning style model, the students are classified as four types of learners: convergers, divergers, assimilators, and accommodators. The authors analyzed the relationships among the different learning styles with their effectiveness of learning and satisfaction of using the web-based learning system. The mediation effect of gender is also presented. Findings This research indicates that: first, the satisfaction of the web-based learning system has significant influence on the learning performance of learners; second, different learning styles learners have no significant effect to the satisfaction on using the web-based learning system; third, learning effectiveness has significant difference among different learning style learners on the web-based learning system; the learning effectiveness of accommodators and divergers was significantly higher than the assimilators; fourth, different learning styles learners show significant difference in gender proportion. In addition to accommodators, whose proportion of women is higher than men, the other three learning styles’ proportions in men are higher than women. Research limitations/implications This study was grounded in the Kolb’s learning style theory. The authors provide implications for academic studies in e-learning research stream that aimed at understanding the role of learning style as well as gender differences in the asynchronous web-based learning system. Practical implications Results from this study provided the implications for students, educators, and e-learning system designers. The design of teaching materials as well as functions of e-learning systems should take learners’ learning style into consideration to ensure the best learning outcome. Originality/value This study examined the students’ learning style as well as gender differences in the asynchronous web-based learning system. An experiment was conducted to ensure the data were collected in a controlled environment, thus, offer the value that most of the prior study lacks.

Accessibility Issues of Educational Web Sites

2012 ◽  
pp. 277-286
Author(s):  
Serhat Kurt
Keyword(s):  
Web Sites ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Web Accessibility ◽  
Current Status ◽  
The World ◽  
Accessibility Issues ◽  
Accessibility Guidelines ◽  
Practical Recommendations ◽  
The Web

The World Wide Web (Web) has become an essential part of our daily life. Web accessibility remains an important issue because many people have limited access to the Web. It is essential to make this content accessible to all people. This chapter provides an overview of the importance of web accessibility. It explains the current status of the issue, accessibility guidelines and techniques to evaluate and achieve web accessibility. Useful resources and practical recommendations to increase accessibility are also included.

How to motivate students to do a course project in design of experiments course from a web-based virtual learning material?

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Charnnarong Saikaew
Keyword(s):  
Design Of Experiments ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Quality Characteristic ◽  
Learning Material ◽  
Alternative Technique ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Controllable Factors ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Web

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a practical method for training students how to conduct statistical analysis and do a course project in design of experiments (DOEs) course through the Web-based virtual catapult simulation. Design/methodology/approach A step-by-step sequential DOE process for investigating the effects of controllable factors on quality characteristic responses was presented as a guideline for conducting a DOE course project. Each team was assigned to create an innovative teaching material and work on the term report by following the recommended guidelines for designing experiments through the Web-based virtual catapult simulation. Hypothesis was defined to test whether doing a course project based on this approach would impact students’ learning outcome. Findings The Web-based virtual material was an alternative technique for interactive teaching that could improve students’ understanding and achievement in DOE course projects. There was a significant difference in student learning and understanding before and after doing on the course project through the Web-based virtual catapult simulation. The students had improved communication and teamwork skills after following the recommended procedure for practicing DOEs. Practical implications Most students could effectively conduct designing experiments, carry out designed experiments, analyze data and gain valuable teamwork experience. After learning the DOE approach based on the catapult simulation, they enjoyed working on their course projects deploying to the innovative toys and other real-life situations with real measurements. Originality/value The use of Web-based virtual material, including catapult simulation, was an alternative technique for interactive DOE teaching to improve the students’ understanding and achievement in DOE course projects.

Assessing distance education students satisfaction with web-based services

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 202-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Arif ◽  
Kanwal Ameen ◽  
Muhammad Rafiq
Keyword(s):  
Web Services ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The University ◽  
Students Satisfaction ◽  
The Web

Purpose Universities across the globe are spending an increasing amount of their budgets to offer web-based services to cater information need especially off-campus students. However, the success of web-based services depends on how well the target users are satisfied with the use of the web services. The purpose of this paper is to assess students’ satisfaction with the use of the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) web-based services. Design/methodology/approach Pilot tested questionnaire-based survey was administered to collect data from a sample of 388; selected through systematic sampling technique from the study’s population consisted of master level students belonged to 11 different academic departments of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at the AIOU from all over Pakistan. Findings Based on 318 useful questionnaires, response rate 82 percent, the results show that majority of the students were satisfied with the use of at the AIOU web-based services except for online mailing books tracking system, library web OPAC and web radio service. However, t-test analysis shows that no difference was found in the opinion of male and female respondents in terms of their satisfaction with the use of the web services. ANOVA results indicate that there was no significant difference depicted in satisfaction with the use of the web services among the respondents enrolled in different disciplines of the faculty. Similarly, no significant difference was found among different age groups. Moreover, the respondents belonging to all five provinces; Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Baluchistan, Gilgit Baltistan, and Federal Capital territory showed the same level of satisfaction with the use of the services. The results of regression analysis (R2=0.226) denote that both perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly predicted, 22.6 percent, in students’ satisfaction with the use the web services. Practical implications The study provides valuable recommendations which may be helpful for web administration of the university to improve AIOU web-based services. Originality/value To the best knowledge, this is the first study conducted to investigate the satisfaction with the use of the university web-based services in distance education’s perspective of Pakistan.

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