Showing papers in "Campus-wide Information Systems in 2005"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored behavioral processes involved in internet technology acceptance and use with a sample in India, a developing country that can potentially benefit from greater participation in the web economy.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore behavioral processes involved in internet technology acceptance and use with a sample in India, a developing country that can potentially benefit from greater participation in the web economy.Design/methodology/approach – User experience was incorporated into the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict intentions to use the internet as well as self‐reported usage. Data were collected from 269 college students with a questionnaire methodology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied to test each theory, as well as user experience, and the variables' interactive effects on the criterion of internet usage intentions.Findings – Both TAM and TPB were supported in their predictions of internet use intentions and usage. Although a main effect for user experience did not emerge, it did significantly interact with components of both theoretical models, suggesting that it has a complex influence on interne...
208 citations
TL;DR: The use of electronic resources by students and faculty of Ashesi University, Ghana, is investigated in order to determine the level of use, the type of information accessed and the effectiveness of the library's communication tools for information research.
Abstract: Purpose – Sets out to investigate the use of electronic resources by students and faculty of Ashesi University, Ghana, in order to determine the level of use, the type of information accessed and the effectiveness of the library's communication tools for information research.Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire‐based survey was utilized. It consisted of 16 questions to determine level of use, type of information accessed, assessment of library's communication tools, problems encountered when using electronic resources and ways to improve the provision of electronic information in the community. The questionnaire was distributed to all students, faculty and administrative staff in order to reduce the generalization of the results. The students were made up of four year groups categorized as YearGroupA, YearGroupB, YearGroupC, YearGroupD. The questionnaire was pre‐tested on six students from three different year groups and some amendments were made. A total of 169 questionnaires were therefore dist...
166 citations
TL;DR: The integration of web‐based learning communities and collaborative group assignments into the course design has a positive influence on student retention in online courses.
Abstract: Purpose – Investigating the social structure in online courses helps in designing for and facilitating student support and retention. Aims to provide data showing how course design and use of social software technologies provided social and collaborative learning opportunities for online students.Design/methodology/approach – A study of computer‐mediated groups that utilized social media technologies and a web‐based collaborative model in an online program. Participants were put into groups and observed as they constructed knowledge using both online dialogue (synchronous and asynchronous) and social media technologies as tools to support their learning.Findings – The integration of web‐based learning communities and collaborative group assignments into the course design has a positive influence on student retention in online courses.Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to the online student population at Pepperdine University, and did not include data or research from similar onli...
146 citations
TL;DR: The balanced scorecard approach is useful not only in accomplishing the objectives, measures and targets of the institutional strategy but also in the planning of the management information system.
Abstract: Purpose – This study seeks to describe the planning and implementation in Finland of a campus‐wide management information system using a rigorous planning methodology.Design/methodology/approach – The structure of the management information system is planned on the basis of the management process, where strategic management and the balanced scorecard approach have important roles.Findings – The balanced scorecard approach is useful not only in accomplishing the objectives, measures and targets of the institutional strategy but also in the planning of the management information system.Practical implications – The findings of the study are useful for educational administrators, project managers, software developers and usability specialists.Originality/value – This study contributes to the knowledge and practice of campus‐wide information systems applying the balanced scorecard approach as a basis for the management information system to translate the strategy into action.
54 citations
TL;DR: A web‐based multimedia‐mediated project was developed based on an Internet Applications course where students were taught to use specific web authoring tools to solve a web‐related problem.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of a web‐based constructivist learning environment, which was developed based on a course given to students in the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) on student learning.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, a web‐based multimedia‐mediated project was developed based on an Internet Applications course where students were taught to use specific web authoring tools to solve a web‐related problem. The mode of learning was geared towards a student‐centred, constructivist learning perspective where students were active learners, worked in a group environment and constructed knowledge and understanding in their learning process. An online survey was given to the students to assess their reactions towards this learning environment.Findings – The results obtained were positive and satisfactory. In this learning process, students were able to understand the problem, work collaboratively, construct their own solutions, and determine their own learn...
53 citations
TL;DR: By understanding the needs of all users, not only those with disabilities, organisations may begin the process of advancing both accessibility and usability and integrating these elements into their web development strategies.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore both accessibility and usability and examine the inhibitors and methods to evaluate site accessibility. Design techniques which improve end‐user access and site interactivity, demonstrated by practical examples, are also studied.Design/methodology/approach – Assesses various web sites for accessibility and usability.Findings – Criteria are determined by which to assess accessibility and usability of web sites.Originality/value – Disability is an important consideration in the development of contemporary web sites. By understanding the needs of all users, not only those with disabilities, organisations may begin the process of advancing both accessibility and usability and integrating these elements into their web development strategies.
34 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a negotiation-oriented and partly web-based game "Surfing Global Change" (SGC) is described, where students assess one another's competence, each trying to outdo the others in controversial arguments.
Abstract: Purpose – Aims to examine a negotiation‐oriented and partly web‐based game “Surfing Global Change” (SGC) invented by the author based on didactics of self‐managed learning and successfully implemented in WebCT.Design/methodology/approach – Along three historic generations of web‐based teaching (WBT), the key functionalities of any platform (content, discussion and evaluation) are perceived to be utilized in a characteristic way depending on the prevalent didactic concepts. The changing roles of teacher and students are highlighted using the example of SGC Level 3, where students assess one another's competence, each trying to outdo the others in controversial argumentsFindings – The outlay of Surfing Global Change aims at accomplishing sustainable results for complex themes. Thus SGC sets out to weigh out competition vs consensus, self‐study vs team work, emphasizing one's own standpoint vs readiness to compromise, differentiation into details vs integration into a whole. SGC hence wants to mirror profess...
32 citations
TL;DR: Concrete data is used to demonstrate how a course management system was used to re‐design traditional courses and how this re‐ design resulted in improved student achievement.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to describe the process and the outcome of a situation in which a professor of anatomy and physiology made supplemental use of a course management system (CMS) to assist with the instruction of 242 students. The purpose of this instructor's use of WebCT was to: increase student autonomy and improve access to information; improve student learning and achievement through the expert use of student “Self‐Tests”, which are an ungraded, interactive tutoring/quizzing feature; create a more active, student‐centered learning environment. Design/methodology/approach – Features that were provided in the WebCT site include: student self‐tests are ungraded, but act as a basic form of expert system or informative tutor by providing very specific feedback to answers students selected in this multiple choice experience. The feedback to each question was designed by the instructor, who advised students to use the system as a tutor by clicking on a variety of possible answers to gather new information. Comments on answers were designed to demonstrate to the student the “way of thinking” of a professional in the field. Current grade information for individual students. Schedule‐related information on labs, due dates, etc. syllabus lecture audio. Findings – Findings suggest that the implementation of the WebCT self‐tests contributed to the substantial increase in student test scores. Research limitations/implications – The implications are very exciting and far‐reaching in that – through a fairly unobtrusive course re‐design – the use of a CMS yielded a measurable improvement in student achievement. Practical implications – The use of these expert‐system‐like self‐tests, gradebooks, and other CMS features has the potential to improve teaching and learning in all manner of courses, including those that are on‐ground, blended, and fully online. Originality/value – This paper uses concrete data to demonstrate how a course management system was used to re‐design traditional courses and how this re‐design resulted in improved student achievement.
26 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study was conducted to examine how proficiencies, motivation, and training impact the success of faculty development for web-based instruction at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the USA.
Abstract: Purpose – This study was conducted to examine how proficiencies, motivation, and training impact the success of faculty development for web‐based instruction (WBI) at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – Data in this mixed‐design exploratory study came from responses to an online questionnaire and follow‐up interviews. Seven four‐year public HBCUs that offered online curricula and provided faculty development opportunities in various forms such as workshops and seminars were examined.Findings – The results of the study indicated that faculty were proficient in basic technologies, but less proficient in more demanding technologies; provision of incentives such as time off to attend training was motivating for WBI participation; and faculty preferred individualized training and workshops.Research limitations/implications – Successful faculty development is as a complex process that involves several integrated components which should be viewed as an in...
26 citations
TL;DR: The creation of a non‐dictatorial tutoring system that has been developed at NTP Information Solutions Ltd is described, which adopts a case study approach that follows the design and implementation of a learner management system.
Abstract: Purpose – Seeks to show that the software development process is based on the premise to provide an enhanced e‐learning environment by supporting individual learning styles and preferences through the use of emerging adaptive technologies that also enable performance evaluation in the context of meeting agreed learning outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – The design methodology adopts a case study approach that follows the design and implementation of a learner management system.Findings – Web‐based intelligent tutoring systems, aimed at compensating for the absence of a real world tutor have to date mostly concentrated on providing assistance in a particular subject domain and not focused on the problem of utilising content represented as learning objects across multi‐subject domains. This paper describes the creation of a non‐dictatorial tutoring system that has been developed at NTP Information Solutions Ltd. A visualisation tool has bee4n created called “learning navigator” to help learners to visua...
22 citations
TL;DR: In this article, Hong Kong university libraries can help young professors and PhD students publish their articles in SCI (Science Citation Index) and SSCI (Social Science Citation Index).
Abstract: Purpose – To discuss how Hong Kong university libraries can help young professors and PhD students publish their articles in SCI (Science Citation Index) and SSCI (Social Science Citation Index) journals.Design/methodology/approach – With reference to the opinions of experts on how to publish work successfully, this paper provides practical advice for university libraries in Hong Kong.Findings – After collecting the opinions of experts and browsing the web sites of many university libraries throughout the world, suggests that Hong Kong universities can offer a variety of services in supporting research. The university libraries may build up electronic resources to gather more research information and journals information for helping young professors and PhD students publish their works.Practical implications – To provide very useful and practical advice for Hong Kong university libraries when facing the new challenge in support of research.Originality/value – During recent years, the Hong Kong universitie...
TL;DR: The findings showed that groups' choice‐making process of communication media evolved over a period of time, and a pattern of group communication emerged, namely face‐to‐face, virtual, and mixed (the use of both face‐ to‐face and virtual communication).
Abstract: Purpose – This paper reports a study conducted longitudinally to investigate group communication media choice and the use of a web‐based learning tool, as well as other types of communication media, such as e‐mail, telephone, and face‐to‐face, for communication and collaboration to complete given tasks.Design/methodology/approach – This study was designed following the case study research methodology and design of Yin. Longitudinal observation was made on groups in their naturalistic research setting. Twenty‐three groups of four or five students working on five similar tasks were selected as the unit of analysis.Findings – The findings showed that groups' choice‐making process of communication media evolved over a period of time. A pattern of group communication emerged, namely face‐to‐face, virtual, and mixed (the use of both face‐to‐face and virtual communication). The three group communication categories were significantly different in performance, with the mixed category performing the highest in term...
TL;DR: The case study shows that the advantages of formal governance brought by PRINCE 2 can be retained in a softer environment where user needs generate work packages and stage gates.
Abstract: Purpose – To show how a combination of hard and soft project and change management methodologies guided successful in‐house development of a campus‐wide information system.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of the methodologies and management structures that guided the development is presented.Findings – Applying a combination of the dynamic systems development method, rapid prototyping, PRINCE 2, Checkland's soft systems methodologies and change management helped to develop a product that met user needs, offered value for money and was delivered on time.Practical implications – The case study shows that the advantages of formal governance brought by PRINCE 2 can be retained in a softer environment where user needs generate work packages and stage gates.Originality/value – There is widespread evidence that more than half of all IT projects fail and that the softer people issues are essential for success. The paper presents an example of fusing softer approaches with formal governance. It should in...
TL;DR: The preliminary findings from a large‐scale study of the different ways in which the asynchronous discussion forum is being used in the online learning environment are addressed.
Abstract: Purpose – This report seeks to address the preliminary findings from a large‐scale study of the different ways in which the asynchronous discussion forum (ADF) is being used in the online learning environment.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual approach is taken.Findings – The structural and functional variation of the ADF is depicted within a framework of institutional and instructional models. Epistemological distinctions are made with respect to the role of the instructor, student requirements, and the assessment of student learning.Originality/value – The paper brings to light fundamental aspects of instructional quality and best practices involving the use of the ADF.
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey instrument was used to measure attitudes toward technology among accounting educators, and the results demonstrate that while accounting faculty value technology in their classes, what factors prevent them from use, and whether there are differences among faculty by gender, ethnicity, rank, sub-areas, etc.
Abstract: Purpose – To determine what factors influence faculty's decisions to use technology in their classes, what factors prevent them from use, and whether there are differences among faculty by gender, ethnicity, rank, sub‐areas, etc. in using instructional technology.Design/methodology/approach – A survey instrument was used to measure attitudes toward technology among accounting educators. The instrument included three separate sections. The first section was devoted to examining factors that could influence faculty's opinion to use technology for teaching. The second section focused on issues that could possibly discourage faculty from use of technology. For these two sections a five‐point Likert scale was developed with possible responses ranging from “not important” to “critically important”. The third and final section was designed to provide demographic information for classification purposes and testing of the research questions.Findings – The results demonstrate that while accounting faculty value tec...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate reactions to online delivery, student perceptions of the rates and depth of participation, and levels of engagement with the learning process in a Western Australian University.
Abstract: Purpose – Aims to investigate reactions to online delivery, student perceptions of the rates and depth of participation, and levels of engagement with the learning process in a Western Australian University.Design/methodology/approach – The sample for this study comprised 108 students who were enrolled in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. An interpretative method was adopted using a case study approach, with groups of internal and external students within one education department. This method was more appropriate than a more quantitative approach.Findings – The results indicated that, while the students were technically competent overall, issues associated with equity and access varied between the groups and also between students enrolled in the same units. The sample had also re‐conceptualised the notion of “personal” which moved beyond simple physical proximity to enable the students to create their own community of learners.Originality/value – Addresses the challenge for universities and in...
TL;DR: The computer laboratories were hugely under‐utilised, with less than 10 per cent of all log‐ins occurring during off peak times (7 pm‐8 am), which strongly suggests that this spare computer capacity could be used for alternate means during these times.
Abstract: Purpose – To provide administrators at an Australian university with data on the feasibility of redirecting under‐utilised computer laboratories facilities into a distributed high performance computing facility.Design/methodology/approach – The individual log‐in records for each computer located in the computer laboratories at the university were investigated. The log‐in data were investigated over a 24‐hour/seven day a week period between June 2001 and August 2003. The data were analysed in terms of student access to the computer facilities during “normal” business hours, weekend times, and the semester breaks.Findings – The computer laboratories were hugely under‐utilised, with less than 10 per cent of all log‐ins occurring during off peak times (7 pm‐8 am). Similarly, only weekends were likewise under‐utilised. This strongly suggests that this spare computer capacity could be used for alternate means during these times.Research limitations/implications – Future research needs to determine whether the n...
TL;DR: The TAPS package implemented and described in this paper could support and provide students with a better understanding of the basic concepts in an engineering mechanics dynamics course in particular.
Abstract: Purpose – To expose engineering students to using modern technologies, such as multimedia packages, to learn, visualize and solve engineering problems, such as in mechanics dynamics.Design/methodology/approach – A multimedia problem‐solving prototype package is developed to help students solve an engineering problem in a step‐by‐step approach. A learning architecture model for developing an interactive technology‐assisted problem solving (TAPS) package for visualizing engineering concepts has been discussed.Findings – The learning model was found to be easy to follow and use and the engineering package can be designed in an easy and visually appealing format. The TAPS package implemented and described in this paper could support and provide students with a better understanding of the basic concepts in an engineering mechanics dynamics course in particular.Research limitations/implications – The evaluation of the TAPS package materials comprised mainly quantitative methods which provided validation of the ...
TL;DR: A case study of a five-week fully online staff development program for tutoring at the University of Paisley in Scotland is described in this paper. But the focus was on the theoretical and pedagogical issues surrounding online tutoring, while allowing staff to get to grips with the delivery technology.
Abstract: Purpose – Aims to outline the issues and debates about a five‐week fully online staff development programme piloted in the University of Paisley, Scotland.Design/methodology/approach – A case study was the approach taken.Findings – The programme was designed to introduce lecturers to the theoretical and pedagogical issues surrounding online tutoring, while allowing them to get to grips with the delivery technology. The programme also provided academic staff with the opportunity to explore their attitudes towards using Computer‐Mediated Communications (CMC) in their teaching and to reflect on how they could utilise it to enhance their face‐to‐face teaching activities. Staff found the programme challenging but they also appreciated the opportunity to take part. Some reported feeling much more confident about using the technology.Originality/value – Provides information on a programme designed to introduce face‐to‐face lecturers to the theoretical and pedagogical issues surrounding online tutoring while allo...
TL;DR: A category of software e‐tools aimed at simulating laboratory works and experiments, based on Java, provides data on implementing bootstrapping methods into software e-tools,Simulating laboratory experiments in didactic and research activities.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this work is to implement bootstrapping methods into software tools, based on Java.Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents a category of software e‐tools aimed at simulating laboratory works and experiments.Findings – Both students and teaching staff use traditional statistical methods to infer the truth from sample data gathered in laboratory experiments. However, the repeated laboratory experiments mean the consumption of a great deal of substances and reactants. At the same time, there are some ethically motivated reasons to reduce the number of animals used in experimentation. Using a bootstrapping tool and computer power, the experimenter can repeat the original experiment on computer, obtaining pseudo‐data as plausible as those obtained from the original experiment.Originality/value – Provides data on implementing bootstrapping methods into software e‐tools, simulating laboratory experiments in didactic and research activities.
TL;DR: An e‐learning content adaptation toolkit – ELCAT – that helps to achieve the objectives of the KTP project No. 3509 and helps to break the resistance to change and the fears stemming from new technologies when a useful tool taught with the idea of what users really need is given to users.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an e‐learning content adaptation toolkit – ELCAT – that helps to achieve the objectives of the KTP project No. 3509.Design/methodology/approach – The chosen methodology is absolutely practical. The tool was put into motion and results were observed as university and the collaborating company members started using it and getting results out of it.Findings – The methodology and the practical approach developed in the research facilitate e‐learning practices and the developed software enables the utilisation of legacy e‐learning material on the internet and world wide web. It also helps to break the resistance to change and the fears stemming from new technologies when a useful tool taught with the idea of what users really need is given to users.Research limitations/implications – As usual in all case studies, the results of this research are limited by the methodology, since results have to be reviewed carefully before applying them to other tools or univer...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss different understandings of participation in an information and communication technology (ICT)-supported education, with a philosophical stance in relation to education, and discuss different understanding of participation.
Abstract: Purpose – With a philosophical stance in relation to education, this paper aims to discuss different understandings of participation in an information and communication technology (ICT)-supported d ...
TL;DR: A framework of BDI agents within an agent‐based intelligent tutoring system (ABITS) is presented, demonstrating how the system sources and refines a particular set of commonly available data.
Abstract: Purpose – One of the greatest challenges facing any intelligent tutoring system is being able to adapt its behaviour based on the student's current knowledge level, ability, needs and wishes within a course. This paper aims to present a framework of BDI agents within an agent‐based intelligent tutoring system (ABITS).Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual discussion approach is taken.Findings – The agents provide the core reasoning ability. In particular, the paper demonstrates how the system sources and refines a particular set of commonly available data. Also shows how these data are incorporated into the agents' belief set so that they may adapt their behaviour to support individual students.Originality/value – Provides a framework that can improve learning procedures for future users of ABITS.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined whether students have higher retention rates of material when they participate in online quizzes or online alternative student-centered assignments on the material presented in the F2F class.
Abstract: Purpose – To examine whether students have higher retention rates of material when they participate in online quizzes or online alternative student‐centered assignments on the material presented in the F2F class.Design/methodology/approach – Reviews the literature; and analyzes data from the implementation of both types of assessment for the online sessions of the course (student‐centered and faculty‐centered) as correlated with mid‐term and final examination scores.Findings – A significant difference was found on both mid‐term and final examination scores by participants and non‐participants in the assessments. A significant difference was not found in the participation levels in the various assessment types. In addition, a minimal relationship was found between the assessment type and the act of participating in the assessment. The assessment type was not found to have a significant effect, though the participation in the assessment type did have an effect.Research limitations/implications – Only two te...
TL;DR: A management tool that helps to achieve the objectives of the plan for info‐tech systems and communications of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the 2003‐2006 period finds that a practical instrument can overcome their objections to change and their apprehension of technological innovation.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a management tool that helps to achieve the objectives of the plan for info‐tech systems and communications of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the 2003‐2006 period.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology used in this case is nothing if not practical. The chosen tool involved university members who put it into practice and the results were observed.Findings – Finds that a practical instrument, which appeals to the users' real needs, can overcome their objections to change and their apprehension of technological innovation.Research limitations/implications – As in all individual case studies – and this is no exception – the methodology chosen circumscribes to some extent the research and its results, which therefore cannot be automatically applied generally elsewhere.Practical implications – Users' interests are paramount and preparation of the technology involved must be given the utmost attention over a considerable period of time.Or...