The impact of electronic resources on humanities graduate student theses

How do we inspire children to learn with e-readers?

Purpose

– Mobile handheld e-readers, such as the iPad and Kindle, have gained increased attention in schools and are becoming useful as a tool to attract students to learn and read. Although the benefits of mobile learning are clear, few studies have delved into the specific factors impacting the adoption and use of e-readers among elementary students. Moreover, the question of whether learning with e-readers can enhance reading comprehension remains unanswered. Given these facts, the study has a dual purpose. In order to explore the above-mentioned factors, the authors base the proposed research model on the task-technology fit (TTF) and self-efficacy theories, along with the technology acceptance model. Second, the authors examine the relationship between reading with e-readers and reading comprehension. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 60 third grade children participated in the study. The reading material used in this research was an e-book edition of the Chinese printed storybook Missing Grandmother. The causal model was validated using SmartPLS 2.0. In addition, this research used the SPSS statistical software package (SPSS for Windows, 17.0) to conduct a t-test and analysis of variance with a confidence level of 95 percent.

Findings

– All eight study hypotheses were supported. The results indicate that TTF and mobile learning self-efficacy have the most significant influence on intention to learn with e-readers. The authors also found that children’s reading comprehension is enhanced in an e-book reading group. The analysis revealed no gender differences in reading comprehension.

Originality/value

– This study explored factors which increase children’s intention to learn with e-readers. The proposed model helps the authors to understand the influence of mobile learning self-efficacy, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and TTF on this intention. The authors also compared e-books and p-books in regards to usability and found that e-book reading can improve third grade children’s reading comprehension. The authors found no gender differences in either the p-book reading group or the e-book reading group.

Usage patterns and perception toward e-books: experiences from academic libraries in South Korea

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate and analyze the usage patterns of electronic book (e-book) users and their perceptions of e-books from various perspectives. Recently, e-book usage and subscriptions at university libraries in South Korea have significantly increased.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conduct an extensive survey of 959 e-book users at the five major university libraries, which subscribe to the most e-books in South Korea. The survey contains structured questions as well as fields for open commentary to acquire various opinions. The authors also apply diverse analysis techniques, depending on the characteristics of the survey questions.

Findings

– Since the early 2000s, when e-books were first introduced, there has been a considerable change in perception and increase in usage of e-books at South Korean university libraries. Despite this progress, most functions of e-books are not fully utilized. The authors find the role of the library to be very important, as most users learn about and access e-books through the Web sites of university libraries, not through such portal sites as Google. The remarkable result is that users with higher education more easily recognize and have better experiences with e-book services.

Originality/value

– This study draws extensive samples and objective questions compared to previous research. The authors also contrast our research results with the other studies conducted within and outside of South Korea. The research shows the changes and differences in perception and usage of e-books by period and country. More importantly, the authors suggest strategies to boost e-book use based on user demands.