The first thing that surprised me in the reading was this statement: "Almost every student in the sample turned to course readings—not Google—first for course-related research assignments. Likewise, Google and Wikipedia were the go-to sites for everyday life research for nearly every respondent". My husband refers to Google as my "boyfriend". It is always my go to. However, when I started thinking about it, it makes sense that course readings would be students first reference for course related research. That is usually where the idea for research typically comes from.
I was not surprised that librarians were underutilized. During my first college experience, librarians and the card catalog were vitally important. The World Wide Web was in it's infancy. If you wanted to know something, the best place to begin was the librarian. They would direct you to the reference and periodical sections. You had to look up old magazine articles on microfiche. To complete my "old person rant", these kids today don't know how easy they have it!
2. How accurately do the findings from this study reflect your own research strategies?
Overall, the major findings from this study accurately reflect my own research strategies. Usually, my research begins with a course-related reading. To find more information, I run to Google, which leads me to Wikipedia. I never step foot in the library, but when I'm looking for additional educational research on a topic, I go to EBSCO or ProQuest.
3. This study provides a detailed description of the parameters of research assignments typical required for academia. How does it differ from the kinds of research people do in the workplace?
Within the workplace, research is usually for a particular task. In workplace research, there is usually less place for different viewpoints or strategies. You focus on a specific research topic.
4. Do you think the recommendations to improve research process for college students will better prepare students for the world outside of school?
Students must improve their research process in order to be prepared for the world outside of school. Students must learn how to validate and find reliable information without relying on professors.
5. Find an image that relates to searching for information. Embed the image in your blog and provide proper attribution.
References:
Head, A.J. & Eisenberg, M.B. (2009). LESSONS LEARNED: How College Students
Seek Information in the Digital Age. Retrieved from:
http://kennison.name/files/zopestore/uploads/libraries/documents/student-info-seeking-2009.pdf
I agree with you that this study reflects my own research strategies. I think that I have learned at a young age that most teachers are looking for a particular answer and it is usually in the course text. Why waste time searching online for the wrong answer! However, in the real-world of work, I know online information is the fastest research strategy rather than going to the library and searching through a ton of books.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about how we need to "improve their research process in order to be prepared for the world outside of school," I think that this is very important. We need to teach them how to branch out with their research.
ReplyDeleteI need to comment on your cartoon. In your posting you comment how vital Google is to your own research and you do not use the services of a librarian yet you do understand the value of a librarian and the resource that they are. I wonder if this awareness of the underutilization of this valuable resource will change the way we, members of this class, approach librarians in the future?
ReplyDeleteYour cartoon makes a good point. But don't students miss opportunities to learn about multiple perspectives on an issue or miss opportunities to develop information literacy skills when they just ask a librarian???
ReplyDeleteI think the trick is to frame research assignments so there is not a "one" right answer.