Use of Electronic Resources by Postgraduate Students of Information Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa

Mousaion ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patros Dlamini ◽  
Mvelo Nature Msezane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Computer Laboratory ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Marketing Methods ◽  
The University

The purpose of the study was to investigate the level of use of electronic resources (e-resources) by postgraduate students at the University of Zululand in South Africa. The theoretical basis of the study was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model proposed by Davis in 1989. The study adopted a post-positivist research paradigm to enable numerous perspectives by using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. A total of 66 questionnaires were sent to postgraduate students and 46 (70%) were returned. In addition, interviews were conducted with eight information librarians and two e-resource librarians from the University of Zululand. The study revealed that the use of the library by postgraduate students at the University of Zululand was exceptionally high. In the same vein, the level of awareness about the availability of e-resources was high. Librarians and postgraduate students were able to identify the different types of e-resource available at the University of Zululand library. Electronic databases and electronic journals (e-journals) were highly used, but electronic books (e-books), electronic catalogues (e-catalogues), and CD-ROMs were rarely used. The marketing methods of e-resources include departmental and faculty conferences. The study unveiled a limited budget and inadequate functional computers as challenges that hinder the effective use of e-resources by postgraduate students. The study recommends that the management of the University of Zululand increase the budget for e-resources. The institution should also consider seeking funds to purchase additional computers and expanding the computer laboratory to accommodate a larger number of postgraduate students.

scholarly journals Academics Perceptions of Electronic Resources at the University of Venda, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 424-428
Author(s):  
Alugumi Samuel Ndou ◽  
Wanyenda Leonard Chilimo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study examined the perceptions of academic researchers regarding electronic resources (e-resources) provided by the library at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), South Africa. The quantitative research approach and survey research design were adopted to conduct the investigation. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire randomly distributed to 45 UNIVEN academics. The findings of this study revealed that although academics at UNIVEN find e-resources easy to use, believe the resources improve academic performance, and frequently encouraged postgraduate students to use them, the majority of them had plagiarism concerns and were only moderately satisfied with available e-resources at UNIVEN. This study recommends that the university library should train academics on plagiarism detection. In addition, the library should adopt innovative ways of improving e-resource services, such as providing an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) with advanced and federated search capabilities.

Postgraduate Students’ Perceived E-Learning Acceptance

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 51-60
Author(s):  
M. R. K. N. Yatigammana ◽  
Md. Gapar Md. Johar ◽  
Chandra Gunawardhana
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Relative Advantage ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Geographically Dispersed ◽  
Postgraduate Studies ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Acceptance Model

E-learning is a method of delivering knowledge using information technology and electronic media for the remote users. The advantages of e-learning method can be fully achieved with the postgraduate studies as majority of the postgraduate students are engaged in learning while they are working and also geographically dispersed due to the family and work life thus physically appearing for the lecture sessions are difficult to them. This paper attempts to develop a framework to measure the postgraduate students’ perceived technology acceptance by developing a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which replaces perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in the original model of TAM with relative advantage and complexity and incorporate other variables of trialability, observability, compatibility, psychological wellbeing and social influence of the students. The developed model is validated using 30 postgraduate students from Sri Lanka and thus this model can be used in future researchers to measure the perceived e-learning acceptance of postgraduate students.

A survey of ambulance clinicians’ perceptions of recording and communicating patient information electronically

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Jack William Barrett ◽  
Pete Eaton-Williams ◽  
Craig ED Mortimer ◽  
Victoria FP Land ◽  
Julia Williams
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Patient Information ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Collaborative Working ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Electronic Messaging ◽  
The Impact

Objective: Ambulance services are evolving from use of paper-based recording of patient information to electronic platforms and the impact of this change has yet to be fully explored. The aim of this study is to explore how the introduction of a system permitting electronic information capture and its subsequent sharing were perceived by the ambulance clinicians using it.Methods: An online questionnaire was designed based upon the technology acceptance model and distributed throughout one ambulance service in the south east of England. Closed-ended questions with Likert scales were used to collect data from patient-facing staff who use an online community falls and diabetic referral platform or an electronic messaging system to update GPs following a patient encounter.Results: There were 273 responses from ambulance clinicians. Most participants agreed that they used tablet computers and smartphones to make their life easier (85% and 86%, respectively). Most participants felt that referring patients to a community falls or diabetic team electronically was an efficient use of their time (81% and 81%, respectively) and many believed that these systems improved the communication of confidential patient information. GP summaries were perceived as increasing time spent on scene but most participants (89%) believed they enabled collaborative working. Overall, collecting and sharing patient information electronically was perceived by most participants as beneficial to their practice.Conclusion: In this study, the ability to electronically refer patients to community services and share patient encounters with the GP was predominantly perceived as both safe for patients and an effective use of the participants’ clinical time. However, there is often still a need to communicate to GPs in real time, demonstrating that technology could complement, rather than replace, how clinicians communicate.

Sexual and Reproductive Health knowledge of Postgraduate Students at the University of Cape Town, in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bupe Mwamba ◽  
Pat Mayers ◽  
Jawaya Shea
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sexual And Reproductive Health ◽  
Pap Smear ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Breast Examination ◽  
The University

Abstract BackgroundGlobally and in South Africa, university students’ knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is low. This study was conducted in response to the dearth of information about the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of postgraduate students. Research conducted to explore the SRH knowledge of undergraduate students suggests that the level of SRH knowledge among undergraduate students is low. The aim of this study was to determine the SRH knowledge of postgraduate students with regards to contraceptives, sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Pap smear and clinical breast examination at University of Cape Town (UCT), in South Africa. MethodA cross sectional survey design was utilized, using an adapted and pretested online questionnaire. All postgraduate students enrolled in the first semester of 2017 (9444) were invited to anonymously complete the online survey.ResultsFour hundred and six (406) students completed the online survey, of whom 293 were female and 107 males. The age range of respondents was between 18 years and 57 years, with the median age for both male and female respondents being 24 years. Six survey responses were excluded from the statistical analysis because of incomplete data. Post graduate students from the African continent comprised 90.75% of the respondents. Most respondents were white (51.50%) from both Africa and abroad. The results indicated that respondents knew about sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) & acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Female respondents were more aware of breast examination, and the role of Papanicolaou smear (Pap smear) in SRH. Almost half of the respondents in this study (49%) stated that they had no need for more information about contraceptives. Lecturers were identified as one of the top five sources of information, which suggests that the university environment provides students with important SRH-related information.ConclusionMost postgraduate students had knowledge of sexual and reproductive health with regards to contraception, Pap smear, clinical breast examination, STIs, HIV and AIDS. Further research should focus on the relationship between SRH knowledge and usage among this population. As university lecturers were identified as an important source of information across faculties, the University should consider the incorporation of SRH education in the broader curriculum and as an integral component of student health services.

Investigation into Factors that Influence the Use of the Web in Knowledge-Intensive Environments

2002 ◽  
pp. 135-144
Author(s):  
Yong Jin Kim ◽  
H. Raghav Rao ◽  
Abhijit Chaudhury
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
External Variable ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
The University ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Web

The paper develops a set of hypotheses regarding the relationship between the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) constructs and external variables such as individual differences, organizational factors, and risk factors. It uses TAM as a basis to hypothesize the effects of each external variable on the use of the Web as knowledge-transfer tool in the university context. The sample of this study will be professors in a university. The contributions of this chapter are twofold. First of all, this study may give an insight regarding the question of when and who is an eager user of new technologies for learning. Secondly, this chapter is the first one to use technology acceptance model in the context of knowledge-management systems.

Factors Affecting University Students' Use of Moodle

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Danso Essel ◽  
Osafo Apeanti Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Technology Acceptance Model ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Perceived Ease Of Use ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
The University

Higher education institutions are faced with the complex challenges of serving increased enrollment levels within tight budgets. This challenge is prompting many universities to explore new approaches including the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle for delivering courses to help extend teaching and learning beyond the classroom. Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as an underlying theory, this study investigated students' perceived usefulness as well as the perceived ease of use of Moodle in the University of Education, Winneba in Ghana. The study also used multiple linear regression to determine if these factors have any impact on the rate at which students use Moodle. Data was collected from a random sample of 229 students from the Faculty of Science Education using a questionnaire. The analysis revealed that students' perceived usefulness of Moodle and perceived challenges in using Moodle combined contributes significantly to students' rate of Moodle use.

Factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students at the University of South Africa Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addisalem Gebrekidan Desta ◽  
Madely du Preez ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The University

The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students registered at the University of South Africa (Unisa) as represented by its Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre, with particular emphasis on their use of electronic information resources. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. In semi-structured interviews, eight conveniently selected postgraduate students shared their information-seeking experiences. The data was analysed thematically. The findings identified contextual and personal factors which gave rise to the respondents’ information needs and in turn prompted information activities such as information seeking. Of these, a lack of ICT infrastructure, frequent interruptions in electricity supply, old computers and the location of the Akaki Branch Library proved to be the main factors affecting postgraduate students’ electronic information-seeking behaviour. The findings showed the effect that inadequate facilities have on postgraduate students’ information behaviour.

scholarly journals Graduate Students Report Strong Acceptance and Loyal Usage of Google Scholar

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Shen
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
University Of Minnesota ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Tam Model ◽  
Acceptance Model ◽  
Strongly Agree ◽  
The University

Objective – To determine the frequency of graduate students’ Google Scholar usage, and the contributing factors to their adoption. The researchers also aimed to examine whether the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is applicable to graduate students’ acceptance of Google Scholar. Design – Web-based survey questionnaire. Setting – The survey was conducted over the internet through email invitations. Subjects – 1,114 graduate students enrolled at the Twin Cities campus of the University of Minnesota. Methods – 9,998 graduate students were invited via email to participate in a study about their perceptions of Google Scholar in the fall of 2009. A follow-up email and a raffle of two $25 gift certificates were used to provide participation incentive. The survey measurements, which consisted of 53 items in 15 questions, were based on modifications to the validated TAM using measurements adopted by other studies using the same instrument. Each item was scored using five-point scales ranging from 1 (“strongly disagree”) to 5 (“strongly agree”). Because the TAM model is based on direct user experience, only responses from those who have used Google Scholar in the past were included in the data analysis. Main Results – The survey had a response rate of 11.4%, with 73% of the respondents reporting having used Google Scholar at least once before. However, only 45% of those who had used Google Scholar reported linking to full text articles through the customized library link “frequently or always.” On average, respondents found Google Scholar easy to use (M=4.09 out of 5) and access (M=3.86). They also perceived Google Scholar as a useful resource for their research (M=3.98), which enhanced their searching effectiveness (M=3.89). However, respondents were less enthusiastic when asked whether they often found what they were looking for using Google Scholar (M=3.33) or whether it had enough resources for their research (M=3.14). Nonetheless, most still felt they made the correct decision to use Google Scholar (M=3.94), even if their loyalty towards Google Scholar was limited (M=3.23). The researcher categorized survey measurements into 9 TAM-based variables and performed regression analysis (all with p

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