Jadranka Lasić-Lazić

Analysis of on-line survey about need for presence of higher education institutions on social networks: A step towards creation of communication strategy

The use of social networks among higher education institutions in Croatia is not widespread. An anonymous on-line survey about the importance of institutional presence on social networks was conducted during a ten-day period in May 2011 and included a questionnaire which was distributed to students and employees of two Zagreb based institutions. The results of the survey are interpreted and presented in this paper. These results can be used as a general guideline toward the creation of communication strategy for the presence of higher education institutions on web based social networks.

Potential Uses of Web 2.0 Tools for Library Client Communication and Relationship Development

In this paper, the potential uses of Web 2.0 technologies for the improvement of communication with library clients are examined. Wikis, blogs, RSS, mash-ups and other Web 2.0 tools and services can assist librarians in their efforts to present information online and better connect with their clients, especially the younger generations of Internet users. In three different studies we investigated (1) the familiarity of informatics students with Web 2.0 tools, (2) the computer literacy and Internet use by librarians in higher-education institutions, as well as their assessment of the potential uses of various Web 2.0 tools for interaction with the clients of their library, and (3) the use of Web 2.0 tools on the websites of public libraries in Croatia.

Libraries in changed information space

Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the need for development and conceptualization of the learning outcomes and competences approach in creating information science curricula.Design/methodology/approach – An analytical approach to the theoretical insights and the results of previous and current empirical research projects was taken together with the detailed analysis of the Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb program in order to prove the necessity of the educational approach based on competences and learning outcomes.Findings – Learning outcomes should be the ultimate goal to be achieved by the teaching staff and students through the educational process. It is necessary that the learning outcomes approach along with the necessity for specific outcomes and competences should be determined by the university teachers on a conceptual as well as an implemental level. Competences that information sciences students are expected to attain (defined...

Quality Metrics of an Integrated E-Learning System – students’ perspective

As e-learning has become an increasingly important issue in educational systems in the last several years, a considerable number of generic standards, quality guidelines and frameworks have been published relating to better efficiency and quality improvement of the e-learning. While early initiatives were concentrated on the functional understanding and technical skills of ICT use, nowadays they take more into consideration motivation, satisfaction and contextualization which are reflected in the quality of e-learning. In the first part of the paper, different views towards the quality of an integrated e-learning system have been considered. In the second part, the research results regarding the quality of the integrated e-learning system (Moodle) have been presented and discussed in relation to different European policies. The survey was made on the Croatian version of Moodle (Omega) at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb.

Using Moodle in English for Professional Purposes (EPP) teaching at the University North

This paper discusses the possibilities of employing the process of the blended learning of professional English through the Moodle platform. It discusses different theoretical approaches to language learning implemented within the Moodle platform and the associated cognitive domains according to Blooms taxonomy. The paper focuses on examining the Moodle activities within the language learning framework along with the levels of each activity within the cognitive domain. These activities are implemented at the University North within a wide range of courses covering English for Professional Purposes aimed at the engineering education. The paper can serve as a framework for the possible applications of different Moodle elements in the teaching of English for Professional Purposes.

Digital Competence of Future Teachers.

Future teachers are members of the digital generation so the authors are interested to find out what students (future teachers) consider as essential digital competence necessary for their future teaching profession. We are also interested in knowing if they think that competence, which is developed in existing curricula, should be further developed according to modern educational trends. We studied a sample of the students in the humanities and social sciences who are studying at the undergraduate and master’s levels for teachers in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at University of Zagreb, the largest teaching faculty in Republic of Croatia. Research was conducted using a survey with opened and closed questions. Students were asked to rate their attitudes toward the necessary digital competence of future teachers who will educate future generations of digital students using Likert scales.

STUDENTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD COMPUTER SCIENCE IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Digital competence belongs to a group of eight key competencies that modern educated person should possess. The presence of digital competence is evident in the private and business environment of human life. Todays students belong to the generation of digital students that devote private time to use different software applications which indicates that among todays digital students there is great interest in digital technology. Although modern students are intrinsically motivated to acquire knowledge and skills in the digital sphere, digital competence cannot be developed only through informal learning. Its importance was recognized by employers who feel that employees should be formally trained for digital competence needed in their future work. Permeation of the private students interests with the requirements of the modern labor market, created an adequate basis for the formalization of the subject that train contemporary students for successful mastering of digital knowledge and skills. Digital competence is primarily acquired through the school subject computer science. However, despite the requirements arising under the students personal interests and the interests of contemporary employers, school subject computer science in Croatian elementary school still does not have the status of compulsory school subject. In the lower grades of elementary school (1st to 4th grade) school subject computer science belongs to extracurricular activities which student can enroll if he/she has interest in this topic. Curriculum is developed through 35 school lessons on an annual basis, which means that a student in elementary school enrolled in school subject computer science listens to one lesson per week. In the higher grades of elementary school (5th to 8th grade) school subject computer science is an elective school subject which means that the student chooses from offered various elective school subjects. Curriculum is developed through 70 school lessons per year, which means that the student in higher grades of elementary school enrolled in school subject computer science have two school lessons per week. If the student has no interest in this subject he is not obliged to enroll it and during the elementary school student does not have to attend any lessons in computer science. This paper presents research about students’ attitudes toward school subject computer science. Survey was conducted on 94 students enrolled in various studies for future teachers in primary and secondary education on Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences University of Zagreb. Students have declared the importance of this school subject, classification of knowledge and skills that students need for future professional work and their opinions about appropriate amount of school lessons dedicated for teaching curriculum of school subject computer science.