Collaborative information searching as learning in academic group work. Issue 1 (15th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wu, Dan; Liang, Shaobo; Yu, Wenting
• Is Part Of: Aslib journal of information management. Volume 70:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 2
• Page End: 27
• Publication Date: 2018-01-15
• Subjects: Information-seeking behaviour -- Collaborative learning -- Collaborative information search -- Collaborative queries -- Group learning behaviour -- Searching as learning; Information science -- Periodicals; Library science -- Periodicals; 020.5
• DOI: 10.1108/AJIM-03-2017-0063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-3806

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore users' learning in the collaborative information search process when they conduct an academic task as a group. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a longitudinal study for a three-month period on an actual task. The participants, who were undergraduate students, needed to write a research proposal in three months to apply for funding for a research project, including a three-hour experiment. Findings: The results show that undergraduates' learning in the collaborative search process for academic group work included knowledge reconstruction, tuning, and assimilation. Their understanding of the topic concepts improved through the process, and their attitudes became more optimistic. Besides, the learning in the collaborative information search process also enhanced participants' skills in communication, research, information search, and collaboration. To improve learning outcomes, professional and appropriate academic resources are required, as well as effective division of labor, positive sharing behaviors, and use of collaborative systems. Practical implications: The future development of collaborative information search systems should focus on the needs of academic research and support for elements such as instant communication and knowledge sharing. Originality/value: This paper contributes to research into searching as learning by understanding undergraduates' collaborative search behavior for writing a proposal.