Maryam Sarafzadeh, Soheila Alavi,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (4-2014)
Abstract
Background and Aim: The present paper discusses results of a study which aimed to explore the knowledge and use of Online social networking by MLIS students in Iran and to explore their perceptions of using that technology for academic and professional purposes, and challenges they face for using them.
Method: The research method was explorative and empirical. Data was collected through a web-based survey questionnaire containing both open and close ended question. The link of questionnaire was emailed to MLIS students in Tehran. 113 students completed the questionnaire.
Results: The results show that 35 percent of respondents were not users of SNS. Internet filtering in Iran was identified as the major barrier on using SNS by MLIS students. Negative perceptions toward SNSs were identified as another big barrier for using SNSs by MLIS students. 22% of respondents felt that social networking would waste their time and some 14% saw on benefit on online social networking. 36% of respondents trusted very little to information released in SNSs. MLIS students were not sophisticated users of social networking sites. They have good level of skills on basic features of social networking sites. However, in more advanced features of SNSs such as privacy settings their skills seemed limited. Respondents to the questionnaire showed positive feedback on using SNS for academic and professional purposes.
Conclusion: There are several advantages for integrating SNS in LIS education. Preparing students for employing those technologies on their work places upon their graduation; increasing the employability of LIS students; reaping the educational benefits that SNSs offer and preparing students to teach social networking literacy competencies to others are some of the advantages of incorporating SNSs into LIS education. Authors suggest that skills to master online social networking must be taught in LIS education
Saeed Malekmohammadi, Mohsen Zainolabedini,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (12-2018)
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study attempted to investigate Khouzestan Institute for Higher Education students' viewpoints on librarians' nonverbal communication skills and their roles to attract the audience.
Methods: This is an analytical survey which used a researcher-made questionnaire to measure librarians’ communication skills in five dimensions by 39 statements. It also measured students’ satisfaction of librarians’ performance through one question. The population consisted of 3500 bachelor students enrolled in second semester of 2016-2017 academic year. According to Krejcie and Morgan Table, 346 students were determined as the sample. Using SPSS v.20 software, descriptive and inferential statistics were applied.
Results: From the students point of view the total score of nonverbal communication skills of librarians was 4.58±0.71. The highest means belonged to “facial expression” (4.70±.30) and “their situations and hints (4.64±.468). The score of students’ satisfaction with librarians was 4.68±0.47, accordingly.
Conclusion: There are a lot of research on non-verbal communications skills in general; however, there was no sufficient research on librarian's non-verbal communication skills. Library in academic institutions, where librarians interact with the youth, non-verbal communication skills may prevent many unnecessary encounters.
Ms Maryam Babaee, Dr Hassan Rastegarpour,
Volume 6, Issue 4 (3-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: With the advent of technology and the use of social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, blogs, forums, and many other platforms, interactions of learners with one another and their lecturers have become progressively relaxed. This has led to the accumulation of large quantities of data and information about students' attitudes, learning experiences, opinions, and feelings about the teaching-learning process. Opinion mining is one of the growing applications of data mining knowledge which by discovering patterns and models in users' opinions could help higher education to well plan, make well-versed policies, and to have fruitful management. Therefore, the purpose is to describe the applications of opinion mining to advance the excellence of higher education in Iran.
Methodology: Research method is an applied qualitative one. Population comprises of all the research and books associated with opinion mining that were available in reputable databases of IEEE, SSCI, Elsevier, CIVILICA, and Science Direct during the research data collection period in the spring of 2019. Using the convenience sampling method, 35 articles were selected with the aim of reviewing and describing educational opinion mining and analyzing its application in higher education.
Results: Based on the studies, it was found that opinion mining can be used as an effective tool in three parts: 1. Improving student performance; 2. Designing better online courses; and 3. Evaluating the efficiency of the educational activities of universities, professors, and various programs. Therefore it can also help to recognize the existing shortcomings, strengths, and weaknesses.
Conclusion: Higher education can scrutinize the sentiments, opinions, and ideas generated by students through opinion mining. Exploring this valuable information enables educational institutions, principals, and educators to make more appropriate decisions in education and improve the quality of educational services which leads to the improvement of academic performance and better career choices for individuals.
