Proceedings of The 8th International Conference on Research in Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Google As a Bridge to Information: A Study of College Students’ Perceptions and Practices
Pinn Tsin Isabel Yee
ABSTRACT:
In the pursuit of enhancing students’ academic experiences, this action research study was undertaken to explore the impact of Google as an educational tool among students enrolled in the Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) program. As technology increasingly becomes an integral part of modern education, understanding students’ perceptions and utilization of Google in their academic pursuits is crucial for educators. This study involved 123 MUFY students over a comprehensive fourteen-week period, incorporating surveys, interviews, and classroom observations. This research demonstrated that 93% of respondents acknowledged that Google helped them better understand complex Chemistry concepts. Approximately, 69% of MUFY students use Google every day for academic purposes, while 25% employ it once every few days. About 73% of those surveyed recognized Google as an important tool for their academic success. However, 69% students encountered occasional inaccuracies during Google searches. Only 24% of respondents perceived no differences in the quality of Google’s responses. Another pertinent finding was that 43% of students experienced distractions while using Google, raising considerations for managing extended usage periods effectively. Nevertheless, 63% of respondents remained confident in their ability to effectively evaluate information from Google. The research highlights Google’s significant role in supporting students’ academic journeys in MUFY. This emphasizes the importance of nurturing digital literacy and critical thinking skills among students, empowering them to distinguish reliable information from the vast online resources. By proactively addressing these challenges, educational institutions can fully harness Google’s potential as a valuable tool for enhancing academic success.
keywords: Chemistry; digital; education; google; perception