Discovery and Use of Online Learning Resources: Case Study Findings

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Educational Technology & Society

Volume

7

Issue

2

Publisher

International Forum of Educational Technology and Society

Publication Date

2004

First Page

93

Last Page

104

Abstract

Much recent research and funding have focused on building Internet-based repositories that contain collections of high-quality learning resources, often called ‘learning objects.’ Yet little is known about how non-specialist users, in particular teachers, find, access, and use digital learning resources. To address this gap, this article describes a case study of mathematics and science teachers’ practices and desires surrounding the discovery, selection, and use of digital library resources for instructional purposes. Findings suggest that the teacher participants used a broad range of search strategies in order to find resources that they deemed were age-appropriate, current, and accurate. They intended to include these resources with little modifications into planned instructional activities. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for improving the design of educational digital library systems, including tools supporting resource reuse.

Comments

Originally published by the International Forum of Educational Technology and Society. Publisher's PDF available through remote link. Must click on 'Past Issues' and select corresponding volume.

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