Information and strategic Internet skills of secondary students: A performance test

In this study, the information and strategic Internet skills of Dutch secondary students were measured in a performance test. Participating students were asked to complete assignments on the Internet. The findings reveal that the levels of both information and strategic Internet skills have much room for improvement. Of the variables that influenced these skills, the level of education was most important, whereas the years of Internet experience and the number of hours spent online weekly did not have any effect. Among the most important specific information and skills related to problems the secondary students experienced were defining proper search queries, evaluating the information found, maintaining focus, or taking the appropriate steps to reach the final goal. Overall, the secondary students' performance calls into question whether they possess a sufficient level of information and strategic skills for using the Internet for homework or school projects.

► We examine information and strategic Internet skills of secondary students in a performance test.
► The levels of information and strategic Internet skills leave much room for improvement.
► The level of education is the most important predictor.
► Years of Internet experience and the number of hours spent online did not have any effect.
► The secondary students' ability to use the Internet for homework or school projects is questioned.