BukuProgramICPIE_2019-13Sept2019

SUPPORTING STUDENTS’ COURSEWORK:
THE DILEMMA OF THE PHYSICAL VERSUS DIGITAL
LIBRARY
Nirmaladevi Suppiah, Jeya Velu (PhD), Assunta Carolina
Antonysamy (PhD)
Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ilmu Khas
ABSTRACT
This study reports students’ preference when sourcing for materials
when attempting their coursework. Semester 6 (Year 3) TESL
undergraduate teacher-trainee students have to take a compulsory
paper, Inclusive Education (TSLB3132) at IPGK Ilmu Khas which
comprises of coursework (60%) and examination (40%). This study
focuses on the coursework component which is made up of of three
tasks. IPGK Ilmu Khas is one of the few colleges offering Special
Needs undergraduate courses. Thus, the library is equipped with a
substantial number of books related to special needs compared to
many other IPG libraries. This study investigates students’ use of the
library and its resources for coursework purposes. Data was collected
in the form of interviews and the references listed in the three tasks
set as part of the coursework. The references were verified and
classified into two main categories, namely printed versus online
materials. Findings reveal that the majority of students refer to online
references (93.84%) more than printed materials (6.16%) and only a
very small number of students have referred to printed materials
(books) from the campus library and other off-campus sources
(Campus lib 1.79% other off campus sources 5.38% ). This study
indicates that undergraduate teacher-trainee students are more
inclined towards looking for resources for coursework from digital
libraries rather than physical libraries. This study suggests that the
IPG libraries should consider expanding their digital library databases
in line with 21 st century learning.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERE NCE ON PEDAGOGY AND INCLUS I VE EDUCATI ON I CPIE 2019
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