Information+Literacy

= Information Literacy =

Information Literacy //"encompasses knowledge of one’s information concerns and needs, and the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, organize and effectively create, use and communicate information to address issues or problems at hand; it is a prerequisite for participating effectively in the Information Society, and is part of the basic right of life long learning."// [Gaunt, Morgan, Somers, Soper, & Swain (2009), p.7, quoting US National Commission on Library and Information Science (2003)]

Other definitions of information literacy also exist (see Information Literacy, UK: @http://www.informationliteracy.org.uk/).

Just as there are many definitions, there are also different models.

The elements of Information Literacy are sometimes known as the **Seven Pillars** model. Alternatively, another model is called the Big 6, which is a six stage model used to process information: http://www.big6.com/what-is-the-big6/ Stage 1: Task definition Stage 2: Information seeking strategies Stage 3: Location and access Stage 4: Use of information Stage 5: Synthesis Stage 6: Evaluation

With the new knowledge economy, our students will grow up in a highly technologically-literate world. As teachers, we need to prepare them to live and work in this world. Thus, we need to find ways to incorporate technological tools into the classroom, and promote our students' information literacy.

Each information literacy model has common elements. O n this website, we group information literacy into four broad areas and showcase some examples of how to incorporate technology into the instruction of information literacy. The information literate student should be able to:

1) Define the topic : determine how much information is required, and what information to look for 2) Assess and select information : gather information effectively, and efficiently sift through information 3) Organise and reference information : evaluate the sources, and choose appropriate and relevant information 4) Evaluate and reflect : review the product and process of learning, and derive new meaning

Click on the links above, or on the menu on the left hand side to read more on each area.

Ready to play the Information Literacy Game?
Click on the link to access the game developed by the University of North Carolina Libraries to learn more about the different stages of information literacy. This can be played with by one person, or up to four players, and will require about 20 minutes. But it's a fun game, give it a try! http://library.uncg.edu/game/

Discussion
Why do you think information literacy is important? Think about it, and then click on our link Why Information Literacy for some food for thought. Feel free to leave your comments in our [|Discussion pages]!

Competency checklists
Here is a useful competency roadmap that maps out the Information Literacy competencies that students from Grades 2 to 12 should work towards attaining. media type="custom" key="9057324"

Other competency roadmaps available for K-12 learners (these are in the US context) :
1) IB Librarians Continuum: Info Lit and ICT Scope and Sequence presents a library program that can teach skills required by students to become independent readers and learners http://librarianscontinuum.wikispaces.com/Info+Lit+%26+ICT+Scope+%26+Sequence

2) New Hope-Solebury School District: Information Literacy Scope and Sequence depicts K-12 information literacy skills that should be attained by students at the end of each grade. @http://www.nhsd.org/Library/litscope.htm

** Discussion questions **
1) Which continuums could you adapt to your context? 2) What programs could you build to develop the competencies required by students in the grade that you work with?

Feel free to leave your comments on our [|Discussion pages]!