The Role of Digital Nativity and Digital Citizenship in Predicting High School Students’ Online Information Searching Strategies

Abstract

This study examined the relationship of digital nativity and digital citizenship with online information search strategies. 331 high school students participated in the study. The data collection instruments were Online Information Searching Strategies Inventory (OISSI), Digital Nativity Assessment Scale (DNAS), and Digital Citizenship Scale (DCS). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was employed in the analysis. The results indicated that online information search strategies were best predicted by ‘digital communication and literacy’ levels. “Digital security” was a significant determinant for all sub-dimensions of online information searching strategies while “Digital etiquette and law” was not a statistically significant predictor. On the other hand, “Comfortable with multi-tasking” and “Reliant on graphics for communication” were significant determinants for behavioral domain strategies of the online information searching. Procedural and metacognitive domain strategies were predicted by “Thrive on instant gratifications and rewards”. The results of this study will be important for educators and parents in providing guidance for digital natives in terms of access to and use of information.