Sirje Virkus

Bio: Sirje Virkus is an academic researcher from Tallinn University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Information literacy & Higher education. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 50 publications receiving 763 citations. Previous affiliations of Sirje Virkus include Manchester Metropolitan University & Pedagogical University.

Information literacy in Europe: a literature review

Abstract: Examines the developments in information literacy in Europe and provides an overview of the concepts used and discussed by European authors. Some examples of information literacy initiatives in schools and the higher education sector, as well as of institutions and organizations, projects and conferences concerned with information literacy, are given. Some research initiatives are also introduced. The overview is based on literature reviews and personal observations and involvement and presents a selective review.

Use of Web 2.0 technologies in LIS education: experiences at Tallinn University, Estonia

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the experiences of the Institute of Information Studies of Tallinn University in introducing ICT, including Web 2.0 technologies, in library and information science education, and to explore the role that these can play in new models of learning and teaching.Design/methodology/approach – Web 2.0 applications are reviewed in this paper and the role that these can play in new models of learning and teaching. The introduction of new technologies into library and information science (LIS) education is examined through a case study at the Tallinn University.Findings – Web 2.0 is influencing the way in which people learn, access information and communicate with one another. The Institute of Information Studies of Tallinn University has a long history in using ICT in its teaching and learning. Experiences with open and distance learning and e‐learning have transformed teaching and learning, provided new alternative delivery modes, and helped to reach new target ...

General Introduction to the Role of the Library for University Education

Abstract: Our society is undergoing a process of rapid change, moving toward what is called the information society, the knowledge society, the network society or the informational mode of development (Castells, 1996; Inglis et al, 2002: 17) refer to the following features of the current period: dynamic and continuous change and transformation; the failure of great theories such as Marxism to locate and predict directions of change; the discontinuous and erratic rather than evolutionary nature of social change; the juxtaposition of various images of social, economic and political life and the transformation of images like Disney world, TV sports and Web pages into the realities with which we deal. It is believed that information and knowledge are distinguishing features of this modern society and the main driver of this change is the growing use of information and communication technologies (ICT).

Internationalization of LIS education in Europe and North America

Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to stress the importance of international and intercultural opportunities in serving as essential components in educating and training library and information professionals. More specifically, it provides an overview of issues and trends in internationalization of higher education (HE) in general and illustrates how the concept of and approaches to internationalization have affected library and information science (LIS) educational settings and programs primarily in Europe and the USA.Design/methodology/approach – Based on a literature review, the paper discusses the meaning and definition of the concept of internationalization. Using a framework that draws on theoretical work on internationalisation of HE programs/contexts an analysis is then presented of the changing nature of internationalization in HE environments. The theoretical analysis is coupled with illustrations of current internationalisation practices, projects, strategies and players within LIS education communities...

Change and innovation in European LIS education

Abstract: This paper examines current trends and developments in higher education (HE) and the responses of HE institutions to these changes. The contribution of Library and Information science (LIS) institutions to innovation in Europe is examined through three case studies – the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the Robert Gordon University (RGU) and the Tallinn Pedagogical University (TPU). Technology, globalisation, and competition have caused the ground to shift under HE worldwide. HE institutions have had to rethink their environment in the light of new technologies. During the last five years MMU, RGU and TPU have developed new programmes and courses, new teaching and learning approaches and used information communication technology to support teaching and learning. All staff members have been actively involved in change and the innovation process. In most cases changes have been incremental and the impact of these changes has been rather positive.

The dark side of information: overload, anxiety and other paradoxes and pathologies

Abstract: This review article identifies and discusses some of main issues and potential problems - paradoxes and pathologies - around the communication of recorded information, and points to some possible solutions. The article considers the changing contexts of information communication, with some caveats about the identification of `pathologies of information', and analyses the changes over time in the way in which issues of the quantity and quality of information available have been regarded. Two main classes of problems and issues are discussed. The first comprises issues relating to the quantity and diversity of information available: information overload, information anxiety, etc. The second comprises issues relating to the changing information environment with the advent of Web 2.0: loss of identity and authority, emphasis on micro-chunking and shallow novelty, and the impermanence of information. A final section proposes some means of solution of problems and of improvements to the situation.

Teaching and Learning with Technology: Effectiveness of ICT Integration in Schools

Abstract: Integration of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) will assist teachers to the global requirement to replace traditional teaching methods with a technology-based teaching and learning tools and facilities. In Malaysia, ICT is considered as one of the main elements in transforming the country to the future development. The Ministry of Education, through the latest Education Blue print (2013-2025), insights the importance of technology-based teaching and learning into the schools’ national curriculum. This study aims to analyze teachers’ perceptions on effectiveness of ICT integration to support teaching and learning process in classroom. A survey questionnaire was distributed randomly to the total of 101 teachers from 10 public secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The data for this quantitative research were analyzed for both descriptive and inferential statistic using SPSS (version 21) software. The results indicate that ICT integration has a great effectiveness for both teachers and the students. Findings indicate that teachers’ well-equipped preparation with ICT tools and facilities is one the main factors in success of technology-based teaching and learning. . It was also found that professional development training programs for teachers also played a key role in enhancing students’ quality learning. For the future studies, there is a need for consideration of other aspects of ICT integration especially from management point of view in regard to strategic planning and policy making.