L6 1 4

=Students are provided with lists of starting points for their own research and information collection activities. =

Evidence
Students commence their degrees with limited knowledge of information literacy. Students are not ‘so computer literate that they do not need library research classes’ (Salisbury & Ellis 2003). Studies of the search techniques of students show that they often fail to find important relevant information. They need guidance in limiting the search space of their research and information collection activities (Kuiper 2005, Salisbury & Ellis 2003).

Being able to use computers is not enough. Students must be able to identify information problems and be able to locate, use and evaluate information (Eisenberg 2008).

According to McKnight (2003), information support services are playing an increasing partnership role in online teaching and learning to ensure explicit curriculum content is well-resourced, and that students are properly supported (p. 380).

Resources
Evidence of capability in this practice is seen through the provision of resources on conducting research, resources on finding content and other information via links to suitable databases, instructions on where to find suitable books and support materials provided by groups such as libraries on information literacy skills.

Porter (2005) describes various ways in which e-learning resources may be accessed, such as through e-learning systems, portals, digital repositories, etc. She discusses the benefits and potential drawbacks of each.