Self-Regulated Learning and Internet Searching

As the Internet becomes a resource in the classroom, students must learn to glean maximally from that information using skills that enhance their understandings. Students engage in activities involved with Internet searching to the degree that they are skilled and motivated. This article reports on a research study that demonstrates that the model of self-regulated learning developed by Corno and Mandinach relative to traditional classroom activities can be applied to Internet searching behaviors. The study also found that not all Internet searchers are equal; thus, the article suggests that students need to be helped to become better at it, and the article also suggests ways this might be accomplished, which are linked to the findings and research on self-regulated learning in general. In particular, it gives curricular and instructional recommendations for accomplishing and supporting student learning in both Internet searches and regulation of their own searching behaviors.