The Role of Public Libraries and Emerging Technologies in Accessing Oers to Distance; Learners at Makerere University
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Education Indices
Abstract
Open Education Resources (OERs) have potential to facilitate teaching and
learning in Open and Distance Learning (ODL). However, with emerging
technologies, it is possible to access these resources ubiquitously, say using
mobile devises. These resources however are not available to all students,
especially those in areas with limited internet connectivity. This paper seeks
to examine the role of public libraries in enabling students of Makerere
University to access OERs using emerging technologies. Using the Bachelor
of Education program as a case study, a cross sectional survey was carried
out, with 422 respondents who included students and off campus librarians.
Questionnaires, Interviews, focus group discussions, observations and
document analysis were used to collect data on the state of ICT
infrastructure in public libraries, mobile phones and their utilization by
ODL students. The findings revealed that ICT infrastructure in public
libraries in Uganda have been upgraded with support from British Council.
The libraries have been facilitated with computers and internet connectivity
accessing students to OERs and several data bases subscribed to by the
libraries. This support from public libraries is however ad hoc and not
streamlined. This informal nature of learner's engagement with OERs at
the public libraries has bred collaborative practices outside the control or
influence of the university. There is therefore need to acknowledge and fully integrate it into the University policy provisions for effective learner
support.
Description
Keywords
Open Education Resources, Open and Distance Learning, Public Libraries and Learner Support
Citation
NABUSBAWO, H. M., Siminyu, S. N., & MUYINDA, P. B. THE ROLE OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN ACCESSING OERS TO DISTANCE; LEARNERS AT MAKERERE UNIVERSITY.