Online reading lists: Evaluating students experience

Abstract

Reading Lists have begun to play an important role in student-centric education. However, there is currently too little information about the students’ experience in the use of the Reading Lists. This paper explores the students’ experience with the Reading Lists, in particular, when accessing electronic materials such as eBooks via a Reading Lists. We conducted a survey using an online questionnaire that comprised multiple choice and open-ended questions for the students who engaged with the Waikato Reading Lists. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions. Students were found to appreciate the way that Reading Lists help in their learning and perceived the Reading Lists to be a useful tool for their learning process. However, their use of Reading Lists features varied due to the lack of awareness, visibility and interaction difficulties. We explore implications for Reading Lists implemented through Digital Libraries and recommend enhancing the usability and the pedagicial features of Reading Lists to increase students’ engagement.