Elementary Students’ Use of Electronic Information Services

Abstract

Online databases, information utilities, conferences and bulletin boards offer users easy access to current information from a variety of sources. These electronic information services (EIS) have the potential to affect the way students think about and seek information. This research explored how elementary students used some of these services. Twenty-six elementary students in a talented and gifted program used an online encyclopedia to gather information for written reports on topics of their choice. Primary level (grades 2-3) student performance was compared to upper level (grades 4-6) student performance by examining topic selected, search pattern and results, time online, achievement on a knowledge test, written self-report, and a verbal interview. Overall, primary level students were able to use the systems with as much success as upper level students. Upper level students used more books to augment their research. Suggestions for further research are included.

Keywords:

• research
• problem solving
• elementary education