An exploration of the information literacy experiences of home educating families

Background and aims

There is limited existing research on the information literacy experiences of home educating families. This study aims to explore these experiences, providing a framework and context for their experiences and finding parallels in the existing literature on information literacy.

Methodology

This is a qualitative study consisting of five in-depth interviews with families. The findings were analysed using a grounded, interpretive approach.

Results and conclusion

The findings suggested that digital aspects of information literacy were significant for these families and that communities of practices were a useful way to understand their information literacy. The importance of reflection for information literacy was also demonstrated. There was some evidence that the information literacy of home educating families could be seen as challenging the orthodoxy of more formal educational models.