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Dr Neil Davies Evans

Academic Qualifications

 

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education, University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) – 2018
  • PhD, Library and Information Science, University of Zululand – 2013
  • MA, Communication Science, University of Zululand – 2006
  • B.Sc. (Chemistry and Biochemistry), University of Port Elizabeth – 1994

 

Biography

Dr. Neil Davies Evans is a Senior Lecturer specializing in the intersection of information science, technology, and education. His research focuses on technology-enhanced learning, digital capital in higher education, and bridging the digital divide through cloud computing. He has investigated the adoption of e-learning platforms such as Moodle and has supervised PhD research in clinical informatics, indigenous knowledge systems, and web archiving.

With extensive teaching experience, Dr. Evans has designed and led modules on multimedia, IT systems, networking, and research methods. His contributions to curriculum development include redesigning undergraduate Information Science degrees and creating postgraduate courses on teaching with ICT. His expertise in instructional design and research methodology underscores his commitment to advancing information systems and technology education.

In 2017, Dr. Evans was awarded a Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship, collaborating with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. He is a two-time recipient of the Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award at the University of Zululand—first in the Emerging Academic category as a Lecturer in 2017, and later in the Developed Academic category as a Senior Lecturer in 2019.

Dr. Evans earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2018 and was awarded the Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) Fellowship in 2019. He also served as Chair of the National Heads of LIS Schools Forum from 2021 to 2022 and remains an active member of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA).

Selected Publications

  • Mbalo, A., Jiyane, G. V., & Evans, N. D. (2024). Assessing digital literacy levels among high school learners in selected rural high schools in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Innovation : journal of appropriate librarianship and information work in Southern Africa, 2024(69), 98-113. https://doi.org/doi:10.10520/ejc-innovation_v2024_n69_a6
  • Mdunge, E. N., Ezeji, I. N., & Evans, N. (2024). Behavioral intention and adoption of clinical informatics tools: A study in regional public municipality clinics. Scientific Journal of Informatics, 11(3), 773-788. https://doi.org/10.15294/sji.v11i3.8794
  • Sibiya, S. D., & Evans, N. D. (2024). Use and acceptance of open educational resources in Library and Information Science departments in South African higher education institutions. Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 42(1), 22 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-659X/14354
  • Owolabi, K. A., Evans, N. D., & Ocholla, D. N. (2018). Use of clinical informatics tools among medical doctors in selected teaching hospitals in Nigeria and South Africa. Innovation: Journal of Appropriate Librarianship and Information Work in Southern Africa, 2018(57), 4-25. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1487be79a4
  • Owolabi, K. A., Evans, N. D., & Ocholla, D. N. (2017). Factors that influence medical doctors’ behavioural intention to use clinical informatics. Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 35(1), 130–154. https://doi.org/10.25159/0027-2639/2321
  • Owolabi, K. A., Evans, N. D., & Mhlongo, P. T. (2016). Applying UTAUT in clinical informatics research. Library Philosophy and Practice. Available at https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A584262862/AONE?u=anon~d462cf6&sid=googleScholar&xid=76831b2e
  • Evans, N. D., & le Roux, J. (2015). Modelling the acceptance and use of electronic learning at the University of Zululand. South African Journal of Library and Information Science, 81(2). https://doi.org/10.7553/81-2-1562
  • Evans, N. D., & Mutula, S. (2015). Predicting the acceptance of electronic learning by academic staff at the University of Zululand, South Africa. Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 33(2). https://doi.org/10.25159/0027-2639/697
  • Evans, N. D. (2014). Training teacher-librarians to establish and manage school libraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: An empirical study. Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.25159/0027-2639/1692
  • Shandu, L., Evans, N. D., & Mostert, J. (2014). Challenges in the provision of school library services in Katlehong’s secondary schools. Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 32(4). https://doi.org/10.25159/0027-2639/1649
  • Le Roux, C. J. B., & Evans, N. D. (2012). An examination of the multimedia capabilities of HTML5. Proceedings of the 14th Annual Conference on World Wide Web Applications, Durban, 7-9 November 2012. http://www.zaw3.co.za
  • Le Roux, C. J. B., & Evans, N. (2011). Can cloud computing bridge the digital divide in South African secondary education? Information Development, 27(2), 109-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/0266666911401502
  • Le Roux, C. J. B., & Evans, N. D. (2010). Cloud computing: Can it help to breach the digital divide in Africa, with special reference to South Africa? Proceedings of the 12th Annual Conference on World Wide Web Applications, Durban, 21-23 September 2010. http://www.zaw3.co.za

Books

  • Ocholla, D. N., Evans, N. D., & Britz, J. (Eds.). (2021). Information, knowledge, and technology for development in Africa (pp. i–207). AOSIS.

Book Chapters

  • Evans, N. D., & Yu, K. (2024). Data-driven decision-making through PowerHEDA: The case for multilevel data architecture in South African higher education institutions. In Higher education ICT integration in Africa (pp. 101-120). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003394877-7
  • Evans, N. D. (2021). Nurturing the African higher education teaching and learning ecology using data, information, and knowledge from our physical, digital, and biological learning spaces. AOSIS Publishers. ISBN: 978-1-77634-182-5 (print), 978-1-77634-183-2 (epub), 978-1-77634-184-9 (pdf).
  • Evans, N. D. (2019). Connecting higher education learning spaces in a blended Zululand teaching and learning ecology. In J. Keengwe (Ed.), Handbook of research on blended learning pedagogies and professional development in higher education (pp. 177-195). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-5225-5557-5.ch010

Other Publications

Neil Davies Evans

Dr Neil Davies Evans

Senior Lecturer

Discipline

Information Systems and Technology


EvansN@ukzn.ac.za

Contact

082 936 2370

Campus

Westville
 

Office Address

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