Digital resources in tertiary education

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to determine the digital resource needs of tertiary educators of New Zealand studies. A web-based survey was sent to history and Maori studies faculty addressing questions on; what digital resources are used in teaching? Why they are used? How they are used? Why they are not used? And what additional attributes are wanted from the digital resource collections in New Zealand? This research is theoretically framed by constructivist learning theory, which claims that knowledge is actively constructed in the mind of the student through a range of problem solving, interactive, and thinking experiences. Similarly, the recent education literature, which outlines the many benefits of integrating digital resources into the learning environment, underpins the research questions. The findings of this research reinforce the theory and literature, and provide a starting point for filling the gap in knowledge in relation to digital resources in education in New Zealand. As a conclusion, four key themes are presented that strengthen the need for ongoing research into digital resources in education in New Zealand, and help prioritise actions in order to meet the need of tertiary educators of New Zealand studies.