Collaborative information seeking behaviour of student groups in vocational education training institutions in Zanzibar

Abstract

This stydy investigated collaborative information seeking behaviour of student groups atVocational Education Training Institutions in Tanzania. Specifically, it sought to find outstudent group information needs and sources they use to meet their information needs. Thestudy was conducted at Amali Pemba and Amali Zanzibar, and involved observation of twostudent groups namely tailoring students whose collaborative task was servicing of sewingmachine (Amali Pemba) and electronics students whose collaborative task was ofrepairing a television set (Amali Zanzibar). Data were collected through observations,interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Data collected was qualitatively analysed usingthematic analysis techniques. Key findings revealed a wide range of varying studentgroup information needs pursuing two courses, which varied according to tools and typeof task assigned to the group. Specifically, the student group servicing sewing machinesneeded information on sewing machine servicing steps and procedures, and tools to use,and the group responsible for repairing a television set needed information on televisionfaults and how to fix them. Findings further revealed that in order to meet individual groupinformation needs, both students groups relied largely on group members and teachers.Other sources consulted were search engines, internet, and colleagues outside the team orgroup. The lack of libraries and computers connected to the Internet negatively affectedgroup information seeking and successful accomplishment of group tasks. It was alsorevealed that respondents were not aware of collaborative search tools which could haveenabled users ' to communicate and collaborate synchronously during the informationseeking and retrieval. In view of the above, this study recommends that libraries withinternet connectivity should be established in all VET institutions, to enable students toaccess information they need. Furthermore, awareness should be created on collaborativesearch tools and software and hardware should be acquired to support CIS.