Information searching strategies in web-based science learning: the role of internet self-efficacy

The purpose of this study was to explore students' information searching strategies in Web-based science learning activities and further examine the influence of students' Internet self-efficacy on these strategies. Eight subjects were randomly selected from a pool of 73 college freshmen based on mixed genders and Internet self-efficacy levels. In-depth case studies and comparisons were used to analyse subjects' Web-based searching and learning achievement, online searching strategies and the role of Internet self-efficacy. The results showed evidence that high Internet self-efficacy students had better information searching strategies and learned better than those with low Internet self-efficacy in a Web-based learning task. This study further proposed a framework for analysing Web-based searching strategies. This study also reflected the importance of explicitly helping students acquire better metacognitive Web searching strategies.