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Utilising ICT in academic communication Academic Communication for Advanced Secondary Schools

Assessing the importance of different basic databases in learning

Databases are essential to the learning process because they offer an organized method for
managing, organizing, and storing the information required for learning. Their importance
in learning is therefore based on the following:

Data management: With the help of databases, students can effectively store and
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retrieve vast amounts of information, including learning resources, course materials,
and student records. This makes information easier to access and better organized,
which improves learning as a whole.

Personalized Learning: Learner’s learning preferences, styles, and progress, can
be stored in databases. This data can be utilized to personalize the learning process
and increase engagement and results.
Collaborative Learning: Databases can help students, teachers, and administrators
work together more effectively. They make it possible for a more participatory and
dynamic learning environment by storing discussions, feedback, and shared resources.
Assessment and Evaluation: Learner’s performance can be assessed and the data
including test results, assignments, and participation, can be stored and analysed
in databases. Such data can be used to evaluate student progress, pinpoint areas in
need of development, and guide instructional strategies.
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS): A lot of LMSs use
databases to store and manage user data, course materials, and educational activities.
The learning platform’s overall efficacy and functionality can be improved by
integrating databases with LMS.

Exercise 4�3

1. How are the digital resources impacting learning?
2. Choose any basic database and describe its features, content coverage, search
capabilities, user interface, and any unique functionalities.
3. Analyse the importance of that database in facilitating learning and academic
research.

Evaluating the credibility of academic sources

It is important to note that, credibility of an academic information is crucial in academia.
Physical and online sources are like an ocean from which you can get any piece of
information. Not every source of information available online is authoritative or credible.
It is therefore important to evaluate a source for academic information. Doing that is
possible by considering factors such as publication dates, author qualifications and
affiliations, peer-reviewed literature, objectivity versus bias and peer review status.

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Student’s Book Form Five

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Academic Communication.indd 43
Academic Communication.indd 43 30-Jun-24 11:02:05 AM