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Integrating tablet technology into information literacy training at CPUT libraries: a pilot project

Lynn Tatum Kleinveldt (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa)
Mbali Zulu (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa)

Library Hi Tech News

ISSN: 0741-9058

Article publication date: 6 June 2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to highlight the techniques and applications used to adapt information literacy (IL) modules in such a way that students acquired the IL skills through the use of tablet technology. The focus at higher education institutions has been placed on embracing the ever-changing Web technologies to enhance teaching and learning. This case study reports on a collaborative effort between faculty and librarians in 2014, where tablet technology was integrated into the Information Literacy Certificate Programme of Environmental Management Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) students.

Design/methodology/approach

To support teaching with technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), a pilot project was conducted in 2014 using tablet technology to train IL to a group of 20 ECP Environmental Management students in the Applied Sciences Faculty. All modules were adapted for this purpose meaning that students used the tablet throughout the training sessions.

Findings

Good collaboration between librarians and faculty, as well as interaction between students increased. Some of the challenges faced were unstable internet connection; many Web applications identified by the trainers to use during the training were not compatible with the Nexus 7 Tablet. Overall, the training went well. In the end, the librarians were successful in achieving learning to take place among students.

Originality/value

Currently CPUT Libraries promotes the Information Literacy (IL) Certificate Programme to first year students, integrating IL into the curriculum of faculty. It is hoped that this paper will give insight for academic librarians wishing to incorporate mobile technologies into their IL training programmes.

Keywords

Citation

Kleinveldt, L.T. and Zulu, M. (2016), "Integrating tablet technology into information literacy training at CPUT libraries: a pilot project", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 33 No. 4, pp. 10-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-12-2015-0083

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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