Primary School Children’s Internet Skills: A Report on Performance Tests of Operational, Formal, Information, and Strategic Internet Skills

Authors

  • Alexander J. A. M. van Deursen University of Twente
  • Anke Görzig London School of Economics and Political Science
  • Marianne van Delzen University of Twente
  • Hanneke T. M. Perik University of Twente
  • Anne Grace Stegeman University of Twente

Keywords:

internet, skills, literacy, children

Abstract

The performance levels of fundamental (i.e., operational and formal) and advanced (i.e., information and strategic) Internet skills and their potential predictors were assessed among a sample of Dutch primary school children. The findings suggest that primary school children possess sufficient levels of fundamental but not advanced Internet skills and, hence, might not be able to make best use of important opportunities the Internet has to offer. Children employed very ineffective and inefficient search strategies and did not combine information to make beneficial decisions. Contrary to previous survey research findings, no performance differences among boys and girls were revealed when using actual performance tests. Training programs to support advanced Internet skills among primary school children should be considered..

Author Biographies

Alexander J. A. M. van Deursen, University of Twente

Title: PhD.Department: Media, Communication and OrganizationPhone: +31534891021 Alexander J.A.M. van Deursen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Media, Communication and Organization of the University of Twente in the Netherlands. His research concerns the use and effects of new media. Most of his research focuses on digital inequality in the contemporary information society, often with specific attention to digital skills.

Anke Görzig, London School of Economics and Political Science

Title: PhD.Department of Media and CommunicationsPhone: +31534891021

Marianne van Delzen, University of Twente

MSc

Hanneke T. M. Perik, University of Twente

MSc

Anne Grace Stegeman, University of Twente

MSc

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Published

2014-04-30

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Section

Articles