On 12 February 2025, librarians from the NWU Vanderbijlpark Campus Library had the opportunity to visit the Learning Support Centre at the Royal Bafokeng Institute (RBI) in Rustenburg. This center serves as a vital support hub for NWU Distance Education students, providing them with essential resources and guidance to succeed in their academic journey.

The visit aimed to equip Education distance students with crucial library and research skills, ensuring they can effectively access and utilize academic resources. The eager group of students embraced the opportunity to enhance their research abilities, making the training session a resounding success.

The session covered several key concepts designed to strengthen students' academic and research skills:

 

 

  • Databases and Academic Resources – Mr. Moloto provided in-depth training on navigating electronic databases and academic publications, helping students locate credible and relevant scholarly materials.

  • Referencing – Miss Vilakazi emphasized the importance of proper referencing and citation, guiding students on maintaining academic integrity in their assignments.

  • Library Overview and AI Ethics – Mr. Ramabina introduced students to NWU library services and led an insightful session on AI ethics. His discussion sparked engaging debates on the role of artificial intelligence in academia while advising students on NWU's AI ethics policies and guidelines.

The students were actively engaged and expressed their gratitude for the training, eager to apply their newly acquired knowledge in their studies. Their enthusiasm highlighted the value of continued support and learning opportunities, and they are already looking forward to the next session. 

By Xolile Vilakazi