Problem‐based learning supported by digital archives

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to assess the differences between learning performance and the satisfaction of learners who use digital resources in the Taiwan Libraries' History Digital Library (organized digital resources) and the Google search engine (unorganized digital resources) in problem‐solving learning for the same subject via the problem‐based learning (PBL) mode. The paper aims to explore the advantages and characteristics of using digital archives to support PBL and to offer suggestions that are helpful when using digital archives to support e‐learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted the quasi‐experimental design method to assign all participants into an experimental group and control group to evaluate differences in learning performance and the satisfaction of learners who use different digital resources during PBL processes. A statistical analysis scheme was employed to evaluate the learning performance of learners during PBL supported by different digital resources in terms of learning processes, PBL outcomes, and a questionnaire.FindingsThe study obtained the following conclusions: learning performance and the satisfaction of learners in the experimental group during PBL processes supported by digital archival resources were superior to those of control‐group learners who were supported by search engine resources; compared with search engine resources, the digital archival resources provide benefits in the learning phase, such as “action” (i.e. doing), in the proposed PBL mode, which has three learning phases; and compared with resources accessed through the Google search engine, PBL supported by digital archival resources should enhance searching performance and thereby increase learner willingness to use digital archives during e‐learning.Practical implicationsUsing digital archives to support e‐learning is a new trend in the library sciences field; however, few studies have developed useful learning modes for effective e‐learning supported by digital archives. Evidential research related to e‐learning supported by digital archives is also lacking; most studies used digital archives as digital course materials, thus ignoring the principal property of digital archives – excellent resource organization.Originality/valueThe paper shows that by integrating the PBL mode with digital archives one can identify the advantages of digital archives in supporting e‐learning, resulting in innovative and valuable research.

Enhancing Digital Heritage Archives Using Gamified Annotations

“…After all, previous research confirms that digital archive resources facilitate better learning when compared to search engine sources [36]; it is therefore important that we look into features that could enhance that engagement experience through participation and discourse.…”

Enhancing Inquiry-Based Language Learning With Educational Digital Library

“…Compared to other unmonitored digital resources, digital libraries can equip users to use search engines more effectively (Jayawardana, Hewagamage, & Hirakawa, 2001) and facilitate better learning (C. M. Chen & C. C. Chen, 2010). Additionally, with effective use of digital libraries, a user's learning attitude can be changed for the better (Thong, Hong & Tam, 2004) and become more positive and enthusiastic about the value and the quality of the discovered learning resources (Recker et al, 2005).…”

“…Consequently, surfing English websites does not result in meaningful learning until learners articulate an intention to use that information to do something meaningful. C. M. Chen and C. C. Chen (2010) pointed out that learners can be easily lost in the hyperspace while finding and digesting suitable resources with an overwhelming amount of information. Students may not have the ability to justify the quality of resources that they found on the Iternet.…”

“…The survey in this study was integrated from previous studies (Wu & Witten, 2007;Liaw, 2007;C. M. Chen & C. C. Chen, 2010), and was re-created by the researcher.…”

“…Foreign language learners are especially challenged when it comes to deciding which content is the most accurate, truthful or authentic, and which content is most appropriate to solving their problems. Searches within digital libraries, often provide more authoritative, organized, and authentic materials than open access web searches and they can play a crucial role in the quality of the student's inquiry and value of the education (C. M. Chen & C. C. Chen, 2010).…”