Share Paper: Distance learners’ self-efficacy on information seeking and preferences of resources selection

1. Yingqi Tang, Jacksonville State University, United States
2. Hung Wei Tseng, Jacksonville State University, United States
3. Betty Morris, Jacksonville State University, United States

Abstract: Commercial web search engines such as Google and yahoo have been developing their own search algorithm helping consumer retrieving information. However, there are concerns about the accuracy and validity of information retrieved on the Internet. The purposes of the study were to investigate the distance learners’ information literacy skills in using online resources and compared their differences on self-efficacy for information seeking and on information manipulation self-efficacy. Findings confirmed that distance learners tend to use unsubscribed Internet resources as their primary resources. Moreover, students use non-subscribed Internet resources as their primary resources have lower information seeking and manipulation self-efficacy perceptions.