The use of digital information resources to enhance learning among university students: a case of Teofilo Kisanji University in Tanzania

The study assessed the extent to which university students use digital information resources to enhance their learning experience using Teofilo Kisanji University (TEKU) as a case study. Specifically, the study determined the kinds of digital information resources the students accessed and used; examined the impact of digital information resources on their students' learning experience; and establish the challenges students faced when using digital information resources. To achieve these objectives, the study used a mixed method research design that benefited from both qualitative and quantitative elements in data collection and analysis. The study found that the students' use of digital information resources such as CD-ROMs, the internet, online databases to access e-books and journals enriched and enhanced their learning experience at TEKU. These digital information resources provided a wide range of information, saved students' time in retrieving information, and allowed them to access and retrieve information that might otherwise be restricted to the users due to geographical location and finances. Despite the potential contribution of digital information resources to supporting the learning process, the students at TEKU faced many challenges when accessing and using such information resources. It was established that most of the students had inadequate skills and knowledge in using digital information resources. In addition, they had to contend with low bandwidth which hindered the transfer of data in high quantity from the source to the end-users. Furthermore, the high cost of accessing information, erratic power supply, and password protected sites to which TEKU did not subscribe, information overload, inadequacy of computers and poor display of information were other stumbling blocks. As a result, there was under-utilisation of digital information resources at TEKUL. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends that there should be integration of the information and computer literacy programme in the university curriculum. Moreover, the provision of additional computers with internet connectivity coupled with increasing the bandwidth and the provision of reliable power, including standby generators, should enhance the students' access to and use of digital information resources to enhance their learning experience.