Students lack research skills
By Kelly Mason, contributing writer
Posted on October 23, 2006

Checking away messages, updating Facebook profiles and shopping for the latest trends have all become common activities for college students on the Internet.

But is it becoming a problem?

“I have noticed that students are students are tied to computers,” said Cindy Allen, professor  of technical and scientific communication.
“They are more knowledgeable or savvy about the Internet regarding non-academic subjects.”
 
“I am constantly amazed at how attached students are to the Internet through social networks, such as Facebook, which I find a distraction in the classroom setting. Because all of my classes are taught in computer labs, I frequently have to remind students to close the social networks so they can participate in the class,” she said.

A recent study by the Educational Testing Service, published in the Chronicle of Higher Education, tested 3,800 students in information and communication technology.

The service found that only 13 percent of the students were information literate.

The study also found that students were typically unskilled at identifying biased or un-authoritative Web site information.

“I’m surprised by the study’s findings,” Angle said. “In my high school, we were taught how to research correctly using the Internet. The class was required for graduation.”

Said Allen: “Many students are not aware that some websites may not have trustworthy information, although the Internet has numerous trusted sources to support research, students should also access ‘physical’ libraries to round out research.”

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, education officials have suggested that information literacy be included in the No Child Left Behind Act and as a subject in higher-education reform discussions in order to attempt to improve the recent statistics.

“It is the responsibility of the teachers, at any education level, who require research to instruct students on the proper use of the Internet as a source,” Allen said.

“At the risk of sounding like a Nike commercial, I would say ‘Just Teach It!’”