LIFELONG LEARNING SECTOR

Lifelong Learning Sector

Lifelong Learning Sector

Introduction

Learning is not just a change in behavior as behavioral theorists' support; learning is also cognitive and involves a change in thinking. Piaget's adaptation to existing schemes theory defines changes in thinking occur in three stages: assimilation, accommodation and equilibration. (Hull 2000)For example, a child has the existing scheme that a cat is a small, furry animal with four legs. The child is then shown a small dog and at first will assimilate this dog as a cat. However, because the dog does not quite fit into the cat scheme the scheme has to be accommodated. (Cheesman 2002)The equilibration stage occurs when another furry four legged animal is introduced and the child must balance the assimilation and accommodation and again a change in thinking occurs in which a new scheme is developed to categorize the different species.

Library

The Library at CIIT, Islamabad is spacious, well planned, and offers tranquil environment. It is fast developing into one of the richest information resource center in Islamabad. The library subscribes to a good number of periodicals and journals, which have educational value for students. (Coffield 2000) In addition, it also offers its users a rich learning environment complemented with electronic information access and services. The library has circulation, reserve and reference section. Internet facilities in the library connect users to libraries around the world for reference, assistance and consultation.

Digital Library

The University provides access to many online databases containing journal articles (some full-text) and other information in a wide range of subject areas. The Library is subscribing 30,000 on-line journals (through HEC) giving access to Abstracts, TOCs, full text and Document Delivery Services. (Frazer 2000)These journals are available through nine world's renowned Publishers having different databases on Sciences, Technology, Social science and humanities. The digital library is accessible from only within the campus.

Ebrary

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has provided 40,000 online books access to COMSATS Institute of Information Technology in addition to 23,000 journals that have been made available through the Digital Library Programme. The e-books support programme allows CIIT teaching staff, researchers and students to access most of the important text and reference books electronically in a variety of subject areas from within the campus. (Plewis & Preston 2001)

Computing Facilities

CIIT has sophisticated central instructional computing facilities, which include state-of-the-art computers connected over a network to our labs and offices. Our computing labs contain more than 350 personal computer systems, interconnected via a high-speed, Ethernet network. (Terrace 2002)

They offer a wide array of software including the latest packages for word processing, desktop publishing, and other applications. There are 10 labs equipped with Intel Pentium 800 MHz to 2.1 GHz, fully loaded with multimedia and Graphics Hardware (each computer lab is based on computers, one LaserJet printer and one scanner). and is fully loaded with latest equipment.

Wireless Network

Students and staff can gain access to the university network from their own computers using wireless networking at the campus. Staff at IT Support department will be able ...