SIMPLE DEFINITION:
A set of learning skills that enables a person to effectively cope with massive amounts of information, from a variety of media formats (books, journals, audiovisual sources, library databases, the Web, etc.) These skills include the ability to understand how to find the information you want and how to determine the 'best' information for your needs. (source)
However, it's easy to get confused with all the current jargon about information/technology/computer/communication/literacy.
On a practical level consider that there are two basic skill sets that you and your students need to effectively use the computer as a tool.
1) SEARCH SKILLS and 2) COMMUNICATION SKILLS that, when integrated into the 3) CONTENT of your lesson, and given that they require the 4) USE OF COMPUTERS - VOILA! - information literacy, technology and content objectives are all achieved!
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1. Search, or research skills include:
- locating needed information
- formulating questions based on information needs
- identifying potential sources of information
- developing successful search strategies
- accessing sources of information
- evaluating information
- organizing information for practical application
- integrating new information into an existing body of knowledge
- using information in critical thinking and problem solving (Doyle, 1992)
- using information ethically and legally
2. Communication skills include:
- Using text, images and sounds effectively to communicate ideas through e-mail
- Posting and commenting on a blog
- Participating in an online discussion with peers
- Subscribing to alerts, news headlines
- Presenting to class using digital electronic technology
- Collaborating on a group project through online communication
- GO DIRECTLY TO THE NITTY GRITTY SKILLS
