Dissertation Information for Arif Dagli NAME: - Arif Dagli
DEGREE:
- Ph.D.
DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science
SCHOOL:
- Florida State University (USA) (2005)
ADVISORS: - Kathy Burnett
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: - Marcy P. Driscoll - Gary Burnett - Michelle Marie Kazmer
MPACT Status: Fully Complete
Title: Culture and information needs in Web-based learning: An instrumental case study of multilingual graduate students
Abstract: Web-based learning has been a fast growing method of delivery in higher education recently. While this medium provides more diverse student population with additional educational opportunities, it requires educators to examine the understanding of students needs in web-based contexts. The primary reason is that the number of students lives away from their host institution and thus may not have the same opportunities as those on campus in fulfilling their needs and getting what they need. Therefore, careful assessment and examination of student needs is very critical for appropriate student services and student success.
This study explores information needs of graduate students in web-based learning and aims at answering the following research questions: (1) How and in what ways do multilingual graduate students in web-based degree programs perceive that their culture affects the way they meet their information needs in web-based learning contexts? (2) What do multilingual graduate students in web-based degree graduate programs perceive as their information needs? (3) What are the main characteristics and primary uses of information to satisfy multilingual graduate students' needs?
This instrumental case study research uses Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking as its theoretical foundation. The target population for this study is graduate level multilingual students who have partaken in a graduate level web-based learning degree program and/or course. It employs semi-structured interviews to collect data and NU*DIST qualitative analytical software to analyze the data collected.
Major findings of the study include that certain cultural elements directly affect the ways multilingual graduate students meet their information needs in web-based courses as they pursue their graduate degrees. Also, there were two types of factors influencing multilingual graduate students in web-based course contexts: (a) factors relating to students' demographics and direct experience with the context; and (b) factors relating to the context. Finally, the participants described the types of information they used and explained all information sources that they utilized to satisfy their needs in web-based courses.
In conclusion, an overview of this instrumental case study, limitations of the study and implications for the theoretical framework and Information practice are presented. Recommendations for future research are made.
| |
MPACT Scores for Arif Dagli A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:30:29
Advisors and Advisees Graph
generating graph, please reload |