Internet documentary research and computer-aided production: study exploratory in an academic environment Burkinabe

Abstract

This research aims to explore how to use new technologies in Burkina academia in search of information and the production of texts. Students from the University of Koudougou, trained in basic computer, participated in this exploratory research. They were asked to produce a paper in French as a second language in Burkina Faso, on the advisability of using GMOs in agriculture in Burkina Faso. During individual sessions of 2 hours, each participant used a computer connected to the Internet to search for information on the web and the production of his presentation on a text file. In addition to a camera filming the award, a video software has to track in real time all of the activity of each participant on the computer. The data collected allow to analyze qualitatively and quantitatively the different phases involved in this type of activity, especially the search and selection of suitable
sites, the use of these sites and the actual production on a word processor with use of spelling and grammar checkers built. We find an effect of exploitation modalities of visited sites and the level of proficiency in computer skills on the quality of the written texts. The results allow to highlight the actual use of new technologies in African university context and consider remedial tracks of the difficulties encountered by students.