The use of online databases for learning purposes has become the current trend in most academic institutions. Some of the databases have journals and books where learners can perform their researches on various topics. Other databases even have online tests where students can be tested on their competency regarding various courses.
The research conducted in Proquest revealed that there were several articles on WebCT and Blackboard with most of them outlining that Blackboard and WebCT are examples of online databases where students can learn and take online tests. Most of the articles addressing these two topics were PDF articles and they had varied information concerning WebCT and Blackboard. (Proquest, 2008) However, none of the articles had the heading of the keywords typed on the search dialogue which was WebCT and Blackboard. One article titled “Proquest C- 19: Nineteenth-Century Index” reveals that Blackboard and WebCT were designed to help students access learning resources from the internet in an interactive way. (Proquest, 2008)
However, when searching for gender issues the were limited articles that actually addressed gender issues and mentoring together. However, when the term gender only was used in the database several articles appeared but only one of the articles was closer to and relevant to the study issues. The article only addressed gender in a limited perspective with regard to issues such as monitoring of gender sensitivity and trends in different departments of universities. The article entitled ‘Gender Watch’ addresses topics ranging from gender discrimination, feminism, and the current approaches towards attaining a gender-balanced society in terms of resource allocation and course admission. (Proquest, 2009)
EBESCO is also an online database that contains a rich source of materials for research and other purposes. Unlike Proquest, EBESCO did not just limit the scope of the articles within the website to students, but also seemed to provide research resources for other institutions such as the government and research institutions. While looking at the WebCT and Blackboard articles that directly addressed the use of these programs for practicing maths by providing online math lessons. On the other hand, EBESCO which is also an academic database that majorly has learning modules and has few tests. The database is rich in learning resources and it is easy to access updated materials on any topic. For instance, when looking at learning resources related to calculus there were diverse learning materials to assist students with various needs. Unlike Proquest, EBESCO has the capacity to hold diverse materials in various topics and courses. When looking for materials related to calculus it is evident how EBESCO provides many choices for learners. In addition, when looking for materials related to gender issues in learning practices EBESCO offers additional resources. The articles opened also provided detailed statistical evidence with regard to the use of these programs for practising maths. One article called “Maths online solutions for students,” was actually very resourceful in this perspective because it began by outlining the components of both programs. (EBESCO, 2010) Furthermore, the article also went on to provide a brief comparison between the programs and why each of the programs was preferred in different situations.
References
EBESCO. (2010). Maths Online Solutions. Web.
Proquest. (2009). Gender Watch. Web.
Proquest. (2008). Proquest: Search Results. Web.