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Towards a personality understanding of information technology students and their IT learning in UAE university

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Abstract

This research investigates the personality characteristics of Information Technology students (CIT) in UAE University (UAEU) and how such features impact their IT learning. To achieve this objective, this research attempts to explain the impact of the Big-5 factors on learning using survey research. Results from 179 respondents suggested that agreeableness, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness respectively were the most important strategies adopted by CIT students. However, neuroticism scored the lowest. Such results could be attributed to personal as well as to cultural reasons as highlighted in this research. The research highlights theoretical as well as professional contributions and implications. Some of challenges in this research could be addressed by designing programs aiming at enhancing student’s learning ability from the perspective of their personal traits.

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Correspondence to Nabeel Al-Qirim.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

The survey questions

 

A Extraversion

1

like to do a great deal of activities

2

like to be with others

3

can easily say to others what I think

4

do something not to get bored

5

happy and lively

 

B Agreeableness

6

behave correctly and honestly with others

7

understand when others need my help

8

like to give gifts

9

treat my peers with affection

10

If a classmate has some difficulty I help her/him

11

trust in others

 

C Conscientiousness

12

do my job without carelessness and inattention

13

When I start to do something I have to finish it at all costs

14

like to keep all my university things in a great order

15

It is unlikely that I divert my attention

 

D Neuroticism

16

usually in a depressed mood

17

argue with others with excitement

18

easily get angry

19

easily lose my calm

20

usually feel guilty even about silly things

 

E Openness

21

know many things

22

have a great deal of imagination

23

easily learn what I study at class

24

able to create new games and entertainments

25

like to know and to learn new things

26

would like very much to travel and to know the habits of other countries

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Al-Qirim, N., Rouibah, K., Tarhini, A. et al. Towards a personality understanding of information technology students and their IT learning in UAE university. Educ Inf Technol 23, 29–40 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9578-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9578-1

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