Designing a prototype virtual learning environment for library and information science students

Abstract

PurposeThe major objective of this paper is to develop holistic e‐content for postgraduate students for library and information science with an aim to benefit the learners about and beyond a syllabus. The objectives of the initiative are: develop e‐content in library and information science subject at postgraduate level drawing expertise from subject experts in colleges, universities and R and D libraries; impart training to subject experts in the process of e‐content creation; make e‐content available to students and peers using different delivery modes to impart formal and informal education and for supplementing and complementing the process of teaching and learning; and promote usage of e‐content amongst students and peers and teachers in library and information science.Design/methodology/approachMoodle software (www.moodle.org) and GSDL (www.greenstone.org) were downloaded and installed. Moodle was used as front end layer and GSDL was in back end layer as a backend repository system. The front end layer consists of Moodle as an application system and Mysql as a storage RDBMS system, and the business layer deals with managing access restriction, online socialization, knowledge construction/organization, and development. Various committees were formed for paper coordinators, content writers, content reviewers and language editors.FindingsIt has been observed that the converged framework would facilitate converged and improved global standards in the field of academics with LIS education being no exception. Thus, on the basis of the critical evaluation of the currently available online LIS courses offered by different universities and institutes, a framework has been proposed for possible use to develop an online LIS course in Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a conceptual model to develop the e‐learning environment in a Department of Library and Information Science. This study will be helpful to all who want to develop and implement e‐learning courses in LIS.Practical implicationsPractically it is possible to develop the e‐learning model for DLISc, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur by integrating the two open source softwares (i.e. Moodle and GSDL).Social implicationsIf the model were developed and used with a proper planning and execution stage, it would definitely be helpful for the learning purposes of the students as well as for the faculty members.Originality/valueThis is a conceptual model that could be applied to any university LIS department.