Online information searching strategies of open and distance learners: Anadolu University sample

Abstract

Although there are questions about the validity, reliability and accuracy of the information on the internet, Internet is an important tool to enrich students’ learning habits and experiences. It is emphasized that individuals should have advanced strategies for searching online information. These strategies have critical importance especially in the field of open and distance learning. This study aims to determine the online information searching strategies of open and distance learners. “Online Information Searching Inventory” developed by Tsai (2009) was used for data collection. The population consists of 925.058 students enrolled in Anadolu University Open Education System in the 2017-2018 academic year. The research sample consists of 3.357 students who voluntarily responded questionnaire. Determining whether these strategies differ according to gender, age and enrollment type constitute the sub-objectives of the study. When examining these strategies according to gender variable, t-test was used; then One-way ANOVA analysis was used for age and enrollment type variables. Finally, it is seen that there are significant differences between online information searching strategies and age, gender, enrollment type. The age and enrollment type are taken in the consideration within the scope of experience and it is seen that the experience is more decisive than the gender for open and distance learners.