The document summarizes a presentation by Monica Bulger about the challenges of online research. It discusses how students spent significant time modifying search terms and viewing URLs but cited few in their essays. While information access is widespread, using information effectively requires digital literacy skills like evaluating reliability and relevance. Students may benefit from guidance to improve search practices and integrate high-quality sources.

1. The Search Myth: Quality Information
is Not a Click Away
Monica Bulger, Oxford Internet Institute
Presentation to Uppsala visitors
March 22, 2011

2. Does access = knowledge?
Do we really need to know anything, or do we
just need to know how to get it?
How much time do we spend on search?

3. Is online research easy?

4. Change concept into query

5. Example: What can make a hurricane
lose its power?
How would you search?
What did you find?
from Coiro & Dobler, 2007

6. Change concept into query
38 million results

7. Evaluate results
Which would you choose?
Why?
What do you look for?

8. Change concept into query
38 million results
Evaluate reliability &
relevance of results

9. Method
150 participants (88 undergraduate, 62 graduate)
50 minute research and writing task --> write 1-2
page essay (measured integration and
communication processes)
Recorded student computer actions (measured
search practices)
Pre- and post-task questionnaire (measured prior

10. Results
Students modified their search terms an
average of 7 times
Students viewed an average of 19 URLs and
cited an average of 1-2 URLs in their 2 page
essays

11. Implications
Ease of access ≠ easy use
Low consequences for entering multiple
search terms means students may not be
aware of the time they spend searching
Locating relevant useful information requires
several attempts

12. Conclusions
Digital literacy requires more than access to
information
Deliberate practice that includes feedback and
scaffolding can improve proficiency

13. Thank you
Additional questions and comments can be
directed to monica.bulger@oii.ox.ac.uk
To participate in further discussions about digital
literacy, please visit www.monicabulger.com