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What are the ways of experiencing web-based information searching?
Using a phenomenographic approach,
doctoral research (2000-2004) has revealed that university students have
varying ways of experiencing web-based information searching. The work included the development of a
Flash animation to explain the findings and present the Net
Lenses model. If you do not have Flash enabled on your browser, the following pages will explain each of the
categories identified.
Analysis of the data
gathered suggests a framework of four categories that
capture students’ different ways of searching and learning to search
for information. The four categories found
are:
- Information searching seen as looking for a needle in a haystack.
- Information searching seen as finding a way through a maze.
- Information searching is seen as using the tools as a filter.
- Information searching is seen as panning for gold.
Each of these
categories is associated with different meanings being assigned to the
search experience. They are also associated with different awareness
structures, different approaches to learning and different search
outcomes. The awareness structures are differentiated in terms of
different foci, and also in different ways of seeing the information
environment, the information tool structure, and the awareness of the
quality of information. The linked sections above briefly outline each
of the four categories according to their meaning, the structure of
awareness, the approach to learning evident, and the likely search
outcomes.
Further information is available from the research findings reported in a number of research papers.
Please Note: This material is Copyright to the author and the publishers. Extract Source: Edwards,
Sylvia L. (2006) Panning for gold: understanding students information searching experiences. In Transforming IT Education: Promoting a Culture of
Excellence. Brisbane: Faculty of Information, QUT.
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