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Does the Internet Lead to Surface Searching and a Deficiency of Discovery in Student Learning?

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Title: Does the Internet Lead to Surface Searching and a Deficiency of Discovery in Student Learning?
Language: English
Authors: D. Watson, R. Webb (ORCID 0009-0001-2333-7138), S. Cook, K. Grant
Source: Education and Information Technologies. 2025 30(14):19853-19878.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 26
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Internet, Online Searching, Information Seeking, Search Strategies, Information Literacy, Digital Literacy, Electronic Learning, Learning Strategies, Curriculum Design, Learner Engagement, Literature Reviews, Undergraduate Students
DOI: 10.1007/s10639-025-13498-5
ISSN: 1360-2357
1573-7608
Abstract: This paper investigates undergraduate students' information-seeking behaviour utilising a three-year empirical analysis focusing on students within an Applied Economics module at a UK Higher Education institution. In the first year, students demonstrated proficiency in data identification and analysis. However, they struggled with empirical source discovery, emphasising the prevalence of 'skittering' behaviour--reliance on easily accessible, non-scholarly sources. Traditional literature review methods in the second year showed limited success in correcting for this tendency. The third year introduced a refined approach, combining face-to-face teaching with eLearning materials and a 'decolonisation of the curriculum' strategy. Results from an ordered probit analysis indicate that students engaging with eLearning materials and adopting a decolonised perspective are more likely to embrace higher-quality literature review methods. This study contributes to the discourse on pedagogical strategies, emphasising the need for inclusive practices to prepare students for the complexities of a globally interconnected academic landscape. It offers insights for educators across disciplines, highlighting the intricate relationship between curriculum design, student engagement, and literature review methods in the digital age.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1484080
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Does the Internet Lead to Surface Searching and a Deficiency of Discovery in Student Learning?
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  Data: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
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  Data: 10.1007/s10639-025-13498-5
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  Data: 1360-2357<br />1573-7608
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: This paper investigates undergraduate students' information-seeking behaviour utilising a three-year empirical analysis focusing on students within an Applied Economics module at a UK Higher Education institution. In the first year, students demonstrated proficiency in data identification and analysis. However, they struggled with empirical source discovery, emphasising the prevalence of 'skittering' behaviour--reliance on easily accessible, non-scholarly sources. Traditional literature review methods in the second year showed limited success in correcting for this tendency. The third year introduced a refined approach, combining face-to-face teaching with eLearning materials and a 'decolonisation of the curriculum' strategy. Results from an ordered probit analysis indicate that students engaging with eLearning materials and adopting a decolonised perspective are more likely to embrace higher-quality literature review methods. This study contributes to the discourse on pedagogical strategies, emphasising the need for inclusive practices to prepare students for the complexities of a globally interconnected academic landscape. It offers insights for educators across disciplines, highlighting the intricate relationship between curriculum design, student engagement, and literature review methods in the digital age.
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        StartPage: 19853
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      – SubjectFull: Internet
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      – SubjectFull: Curriculum Design
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