Thesis (Ph.D.). / Written for the School of Information Studies. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/02/12). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of North Texas, August, 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

Introduction. The ‘blogosphere’ is a space with digital information in which social networks form that offer countless application possibilities. In this technology-mediated context, it is feasible to study the performance and approaches of production, diffusion, relationship and use of information from different perspectives.. Method. Quantitative data were obtained through the regular examination of the blogs maintained by students and qualitative data were obtained from reports by the students and self-assessment questionnaires. Analysis. Simple counts of quantitative data were obtained, without further statistical analysis. The qualitative data were reviewed for insights into the motivations of students. Results. Given a free choice, most students adopted the Blogger platform for their blogs. Most blogs consisted of content reported from elsewhere and were not continued by the students following the end of the exercise. Conclusions. Students adopted an instrumental approach to the exercise, doing enough to complete the course requirements but not being sufficiently engaged to continue their blogs. Preliminary work based on basic competences is necessary in both collaboration processes and Web 2.0 technology to obtain satisfactory results in the use of Weblogs as teaching and learning tools.

Working with others within an organization can have a variety of positive effects, and the benefits of collaboration have been discussed in various disciplines. In information science, interest in collaborative information seeking, including collaborative information seeking by students in an online learning environment is expanding. This study was aimed at understanding graduate students' collaborative information seeking behaviors through the process of a group project, including factors that affected students' perceptions of collaborative work and their difficulties during the collaborative process. The research was based on Yue and He's model, which describes information users' collaborative communication and information behaviors, and Kuhlthau's model, which describes users' individual information seeking behaviors. The participants were 43 students enrolled in a master's level course delivered primarily online. The students were required to work together in groups to complete a research project. Data were collected through a background survey, behavior survey, and online communication texts and analyzed using descriptive statistics, statistical tests, and content analyses. The results showed significant changes in collaborative and information seeking behaviors and perceptions across three stages of the project during the semester. Theoretical, practical, and methodological implications for future research are discussed.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2009. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 306-318).

This study examined how and why practitioners in the modern construction industry sought information as part of their everyday work activities. A grounded theory methodology was utilized to identify the main problem and how it was resolved by the participants. The main problem was determined to be the ability to seek accurate information efficiently and effectively. A theory termed wayfinding was developed and described through interviews with 24 current constructors.These constructors were theoretically sampled from many segments of the construction industry, including construction management, general contracting, and subcontracting. Both genders and a variety of positions were sampled, and the constructors' work experience ranged from a few months to several decades. Relevant literature was incorporated from pertinent fields including urban planning, which developed the term wayfinding; architecture and interior design; and computer science. The current construction industry and its information-seeking process were detailed, including the overriding issue of time and its impact on construction.The research indicated that there were three main categories of the theory: reasons for wayfinding, wayfinding tools and methods, and types of wayfinders. wayfinding was employed by constructors for five reasons: to clarify, confirm, source, prepare, and manage risk. Clarifying, sourcing, and preparing were all found to be common reasons for information-seeking, with confirming and managing risk less frequently encountered. The tools and methods used included print sources, Internet resources, networking, branching/filtering, and cost-saving. Networking was the preferred technique, with branching/filtering and cost-saving being employed only by experienced constructors. Familiarity with the process differentiated the novice from the experienced constructor and was not solely based on the number of years' work experience. Novice constructors used physical proximity as a criterion when selecting a source of information, and selected methods purposively to avoid embarrassment.Implications of wayfinding for the practitioner and construction organization were presented. Implications in other fields were discussed for education, architecture and interior design, and technology. Problems with wayfinding included the inherent inefficiency of the design/construction system and a lack of training. Potential changes were also introduced, including technology and contractual relationships. Recommendations were made for current constructors, including novices and experienced practitioners. / Department of Educational Studies

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on January 16, 2008) Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Drexel University, 2007. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 177-192).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, Aug., 2007. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.