Designing blended learning to foster students’ digital information literacy : developing an in(ter)vention

Abstract

How to integrate online with face-to-face learning appropriately is an often-discussed question as New Zealand tertiary institutions increasingly offer blended learning. In this context, there is a need to develop students’ academic literacy, for example digital information literacy (DIL) as its significance for study (Feekery, 2013) and workplace (Bruce, 2004) success is well recognised. Embedding DIL in a blended learning course offers teachers options to create additional learning and practice opportunities for students. My research explores how blended learning design can support DIL, with a particular focus on the potential of online learning affordances. The article reports on the iterative process of creating an embedded digital information literacy (DIL) in(ter)vention aligned with the assessment in a first-year undergraduate course and focuses on the four online resources developed. The research is still in progress and this article therefore addresses the development process rather than the findings.