Article HistoryKeywords Web 2.0 Information literacy Faculty of architecture Social media Technology in architectural education.Following a rapid development in technology, many information sources are now digitized. Consequently, individuals are expected to demonstrate the skills needed to critically evaluate, synthesize, and effectively use those sources. In this context, information literacy and information technology, especially skills with Web 2.0 tools, have become concepts that directly affect each other's development. This study investigated the information literacy self-efficacy and use of Web 2.0 tools among architectural students in particular. A t-test and ANOVA were performed on the data collected through a questionnaire survey. The results revealed that there was no difference in information literacy self-efficacy according to the participants' gender or duration of internet use but did vary with the level of their knowledge of foreign languages and Web 2.0 tools. In addition, instant messaging systems were the most preferred of the Web 2.0 tools to use for educational purposes. Ranked from most to least preferred, other Web 2.0 tools included Facebook-Twitter, video sharing platforms, blogs, wikis, and podcasts.
Contribution/Originality:This study contributes to the existing literature on social media and information literacy as follows: adds to the few studies of information literacy among architectural students; examines information literacy in the context of social media; and provides information on how students use social media for educational purposes. (2010) presented the information literacy definition: -a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.‖ An individual who is information literate, therefore, must be able to not only understand they need but also find, evaluate, and use information (Association of College & Research Libraries [ACRL], 2006). Bandura (1993) explained that self-efficacy was an individual's belief that they would become competent in whatever was required. Such self-belief affects their emotions and thoughts in respect of achieving their goals and rectifying events that affected their lives. According to Zimmerman (1995), self-efficacy is an individual's personal judgment of their own ability to perform a job and succeed. Information literacy self-efficacy (ILSE) can thus be defined as an individual's personal judgment of their own ability to access information, evaluate, and use information effectively.The information literate person should exhibit the following skills: (1) decide on the nature and extent of the information needed; (2) access the required information effectively and efficiently;(3) critically evaluate information and its sources then incorporate the information selected into their knowledge base and value system; (4) use information effectively to accomplish a specific aim; and (5) understand many of the economic, legal, and social ...