Digital library
The digital library has two other names: digital repository and electronic library. The library stores materials in the form of electronic media format. Examples of materials stored are video materials, audio materials, visual materials and text. A collection of all these materials is referred to as digital objects. Digital repository is a system that one can easily access and retrieve different type of information (Harinarayana and Raju 69). The sizes of digital library vary. Electronic library may be owned by one person, a group of people, academic institution, companies, physical library or organisations. Some digital objects are stored locally, but others are accessed remotely. Remote access is possible through connection of computer network. Below are two examples of digital library systems:
Greenstone digital library
The greenstone digital library is a project of New Zealand. It has a variety of information such as humanitarian, technical, and science related. Arabic and Chinese activities can also be found on the site. Everyone can access information on this site since there is no restriction.
HEC digital library
This digital library is a program of HEC. It is designed to help researchers in Pakistan. The researchers in private universities, public universities, and non-profit development organizations have full access to this digital library. The library has international scholarly literatures among them the e-Books, articles, and high-quality peer review journals. The researchers can use their subject areas to access a wide range of reference books and text on this site (Harinarayana and Raju 70).
Factors to consider
Rapid change in technology has been a contributor towards the development of digital libraries. There is a positive correlation between the change in technology and the growth rate of digital libraries. Currently, the market is filled with both complex and simple software. Software design for the digital system should be simple. Simple software gives the authors easy time when they want to distribute their information. The system should also be one that can be operated using low-cost computer equipments. This will give everyone a chance to access the information, irrespective of the computer.
Electronic library was developed to avail materials electronically. Distribution of information should not violate the right of the authors (copyright law). A balance should be created between serving the needs of users and protecting the rights of articles and book writers (Harinarayana and Raju 71). Many authors of traditional books are not in a position to allow their books to be made available to the public electronically. This limits the free flow of the information. There should be formulation of laws to control publication of information.
Information on the digital library should not pass through intermediaries. The users should have direct access to information. Organization of information should be done properly so as to give the users easy time to access anything. The libraries are visited by people from different parts of the world. Information contained on the sites should accommodate all the diverse communities. The language used need to be simple since education level of users is not the same.
M- Learning
M-learning also referred to as mobile learning is a type of learning that involves the use of personal electronics. This type of learning relies on the interaction, such as content and social interaction. M-learning allows for mobility of device user. The user is given a chance to interact with portable technology (Harinarayana and Raju 72). Mobile learning may take place through various devices such as tablets, mobile phones, notebooks, and handheld computers. M-learning is an informal type of learning. Mobile learning utilizes tools in the mobile as learning materials and learning aids. Digital learning is slowly doing away with traditional classroom learning.
Advantages of m-learning
- Mobile learning can take place anywhere, for example, in moving cars and buses. A person can have access to any information such as audio library and video clips.
- Devices used for mobile learning are portable, making it possible to move around while learning.
- Psychologists have proved that m-learning devices motivate the learners. The motivation acts a driving force towards learning and commits the learners to work hard (Harinarayana and Raju 73).
- The devices are not expensive. Majority of the population has access to these devices.
Disadvantages of m-learning
- Most mobile devices have small screens. The learners are forced to move closers to them in order to view things, for example, PDA and mobile phone.
- Mobile devices cannot store a lot of information and materials. They have limited capacity when it comes to storage.
- The batteries of these devices do not last long. The frequency of charging and replacing the batteries is high.
- The hardware platform to devices differs. This makes it hard to create a material that can work in all the devices.
- The pace at which technology is changing is fast, and people have to keep-up with the change. This means that people are forced to purchase new devices even before the ones they have become outdated (Harinarayana and Raju 70).
Works Cited
Harinarayana, Sardan, and Vasantha Raju. “Web 2.0 features in university library web sites.” Electronic Library 28.1 (2010): 69-88. Print.