Revotionalising Education in Africa: The Impact of Immersive Technologies on Digital Literacy Programs in Academic Libraries

Abstract

The evolving landscape of education embraces immersive technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), integrated into digital literacy initiatives in academic libraries to enhance learning experiences, though challenges such as resource allocation and accessibility persist. Interest is growing in Africa regarding the impact of these technologies on higher learning institutional libraries. This research aims to examine the implications of immersive technologies on educational paradigms within academic libraries in Nigeria and Tanzania. Through surveys, the study seeks to assess the current landscape of digital literacy programs, identify the availability and acceptance of immersive technologies, and explore the relationship between immersive technologies and digital literacy programs. The research also aims to provide recommendations for effectively integrating immersive technologies into digital literacy programs in academic libraries, contributing to the broader discourse on the role of libraries in advancing digital literacy and lifelong learning initiatives. By adopting the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, the study intends to provide valuable insights into the factors influencing the successful deployment of immersive technologies in academic library environments. The findings of this research will contribute to the understanding, policy development, and best practices in integrating immersive technologies into digital literacy programs in academic libraries in Nigeria and Tanzania, ultimately enhancing information literacy skills and user experiences in the digital age.