College Students’ Sources and Experience in Learning Information Literacy

• In Event: Technology and Learning Experience

Abstract

This study uses a survey of 598 college students to investigate their learning sources and experiences of information literacy, specifically assessing information, their use of search engines and social media, privacy, and ethical issues. Findings show that students develop these skills from school and non-school-based sources, with personal experience serving as the most common learning experience. Participants responded that they learned to assess information and use search engines through writing research papers at schools, and they self-taught with trial and error and interacted with peers to learn how to use social media to find information. Privacy concerns and ethical issues in sharing information were mainly taught through informal talks or demonstrations by parents.

Authors

• Yujin Park, Georgia Southern University

• Vanessa Dennen, Florida State University

• Lauren Bagdy, University of Georgia