Getting networked learning in context: are on‐line students’ technical and information literacy skills adequate and appropriate?

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have the potential to enhance teaching and learning in higher education by improving access to and interaction with information and resources, and by facilitating dialogue between people. The benefits for learners studying independently are considerable. From the students’ perspective, networked learning offers opportunities that both draw upon existing ICT expertise and present new challenges. However, studies with UK Open University students indicate the potential for mismatches between teachers’ assumptions and learners’ actual ICT experience and competencies. Effective networked learning involves operational and intellectual components and students need to be well prepared for both.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank colleagues in the Courses Survey Team and the Survey Office of the UKOU for their invaluable contributions to the administration of the surveys reported here.

Notes

1. The most frequently cited definition is from the American Library Association: ‘To be information literate, a person must be able to recognise when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information’ (1989, p. 1).