Introduction to the Study

In this study funded by the National Science Foundation, we explore how students are using digital learning resources in their learning. This is a three year project funded by the National Science Foundation (DUE 1049537).

The core research questions guiding the survey are the following:

  • What circumstances motivate students to look for digital resources?
  • Where do students start their search for digital resources?
  • What criteria do students use  to assess the value of digital resources?
  • What barriers to students face in finding & using digital resources?
  • What kinds of digital learning resources do students prefer?
  • Do students value collections of digital resources, and if so, in what way?
  • How is the use of digital resources affecting student learning?

The Primary Investigator is Glenda Morgan from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She can be contacted via email at gmorgan@illinois.edu or by phone at (217) 244-0479

Co-Investigators are

Chuck Dziuban, University of Central Florida
Flora McMartin, Broad Based Knowledge
Joshua Morrill, Morrill Solutions
Patsy Moskal, University of Central Florida
Alan Wolf, University of Wisconsin-Madison


Press Coverage of the Project

Chronicle of Higher Education, April 25, 2012,” Free-Range Learners: Study Opens Window into How Students Hunt for Educational Content Online


Upcoming Presentations on the Project

May 11, 2012  WCET leadership Summit on eContent, Salt Lake City UT
June 13, 2012 New Media Consortium Annual Conference, Cambridge MA


Select Past Presentations on the Project

April 23, 2012, Sloan Consortium Conference on Blended Learning, Milwaukee WI  Presentation

March 25, 2012, Educause Midwest Regional Annual Conference, Chicago IL
Presentation

February 14, 2012, Educause Learning Initiative Annual Conference, Austin TX