Virtual Learning in Higher Education Module: Information literacy Information literacy concepts and definitions Dr Monika Krakowska LLP LT-ERASMUS-EVC Erasmus Multilateral Virtual Campuses project TEACAMP - TEACHER VIRTUAL CAMPUS: RESEARCH, PRACTICE, APPLY

Information literacy (IL) concept Various terms related to IL have been used in the literature: information literacy; computer literacy – IT/information technology/electronic/computer electronic information literacy; library literacy; media literacy; network literacy – Internet literacy, hyper-literacy; digital literacy or digital information literacy, multi-modal literacy.

Information literacy concept literacy = the condition of being literate, an element of learning literate = learned, competent (having a competence to do), having a skill, ability, to be qualified, to perform a specific action to be competent = having a specific range of skill, knowledge, or ability Information skills, information competences

Information literacy essential enabler, a prerequisite for lifelong learning (all formal, informal and non-formal learning) IL as a prerequisite for social inclusion, creation of new knowledge, personal, vocational, corporate and organizational empowerment Intellectual framework for recognizing the need for, understanding, finding, evaluating, using information

Praque Declaration (UNESCO) 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 human right of lifelong learning.

Information literacy as Key Competencies For Lifelong Learning in European Union Communication in the mother tongue, Communication in foreign languages, Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology, Digital competence, Learning to learn (learning ability), Interpersonal, intercultural and social and civic competence, Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship, Cultural expression European Union: European Reference Framework Key Competencies in LLL [

INFORMATION LITERACY Ability to: evaluate information from various sources, identify information needs, locate, synthesis, effective use of information – and combining these functions using technology, communication networks and electronic sources

General skills hierarchical model in Higher Education NumeracyCommunication Planning Team WorkInformation use Problem solving ICT use Global awareness Information literacy Critical Thinking Professional Communication Technology application Cooperation networks Professional Lifelong Learning GRADUATE (professional work) Bachelor level Primary to Secondary school (K- 12) education skills

INFORMATION LITERACY Knowledge of effective information retrieval Evaluation of information sources and selecting information using all possible media to obtain the best results Awareness of prejudice, tolerance inclinations (bias) and reliability of the effective transfer of information to other users Webber, S.; Johnson, B. (2000). Conceptions of information literacy: new perspectives and implications. Journal of Information Science, Vol. 26, No. 6,

Information literacy Interpretation & problem solving to be a professional Knowledge about common problems in the initial phase of work, problem solving, etc. Knowledge on how to learn in a given field of knowledge technologies to appropriate discipline, scientific field (University of Deakin, Deakin Advantage guidelines,

Information literacy a new liberal art that extends from knowing how to use computers and access information to critical reflection on the nature of information itself, its technical infrastructure, and its social, cultural and even philosophical context and impact Shapiro, Jeremy J. and Hughes, Shelley K. (1996) Information Literacy as a Liberal Art: Enlightenment proposals for a new curriculum. Educom review. 31 (2), Artes Liberales - skills worthy of a free man!

Information literate user In IL standards – American or Australian – impact on person/user/student and the development of abilities, skills, competences has the analytical and critical skills to formulate research questions and evaluate results, and the skills to search for and access a variety of information types in order to meet his or her information need „To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information” American Library Association (1989)

Information literate person recognizes the need for information; recognizes that accurate and complete information is the basis for intelligent decision making; identifies potential sources of information; develops successful search strategies; accesses sources of information, including computer-based and other technologies; evaluates information; organizes information for practical application; integrates new information into an existing body of knowledge, and; uses information in critical thinking and problem solving.

Information literate person: uses sources of information, builds effective search strategies, obtains information sources, both the computer and the other tools, evaluates the information, organizes it to practical use, incorporates new information into the existing body of knowledge, uses information in critical thinking and problem solving. A person with information literacy is aware that appropriate and complete information is the basis for intelligent decision- making; Doyle’s definition became later (after 1992) the basis of information literacy international STANDARDS and in many models of IL education. Doyle, Christina S. Information Literacy in an Information Society: A Concept for the Information Age. ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology, June 1994.

Information literacy and critical thinking It Is Not Possible To Become A Good Thinker And Be A Poor Questioner. Thinking Is Not Driven By Answers But, Rather, By Questions (Richard Paul, Critical Thinking Tools for Taking Charge of Your Learning and Your Life ) Critical evaluation of information critical thinking – purposeful reflective judgment what to believe or what to do – interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation and meta-cognition

Information literacy as the umbrella for LITERACIES Source:

Information literacies in the process of education and creating the information society there is a need for including into LLL policy promotion and education for an individual skills and new forms of information and technology use ability, social, economic, media aspects and other Within literacies: Digital literacy - efficient use of ICT Media literacy Visual literacy Cultural literacy Multimodal literacy (Trans literacy) – multiple modes of communication and expression = skills + experience others…….

LITERACIES Multicultural Literacy - a multi-cultural competence - the ability to understand and appreciate similarities and differences in society, the values, outlook and beliefs of a culture Global Awareness - an applicable knowledge of global and cultural perspectives

National and global awareness development Issues related to information literacy concern not only the education sector (introduction of standards and models of education), but also the national policy, economic (economic development depends on the competencies) and also social and cultural affairs Library and information professionals environment dealing with information management, knowledge development and sharing of information, hence the interest and initiatives taken by those groups concerning education and raising the awareness among the relevant issues concerning the information competence among the society

Information literacy is the domain of all educators: as one of the essential learning outcomes that prepare students for 21st century challenges (indicated by European Union, Association of American Colleges and Universities) need for training in the related digital media literacy is a critical challenge in education for the next couple of years(2010 Horizon Report)2010 Horizon Report Organisation of many training, workshops, conferences for academic staff, librarians, and faculty on integrating information literacy at their campuses

Information literacy is a national and global concern: concerns of many actions taken by the government sector and educational (national policies, governmental docs, US National Information Literacy Awareness Month) support for trainings around the world to teach information literacy competencies, many national & international, collaborative & individual initiatives (IFLA&UNESCO, LOEX, Second Life, Information Literacy Weblog, etc.)IFLA&UNESCOLOEX Second LifeInformation Literacy Weblog is the means to empowerment of individuals and societies and is a basic human right (Alexandria Proclamation, Prague Declaration)Alexandria ProclamationPrague Declaration Reference: Weiner, Sharon A. (2010). Information Literacy: A Neglected Core Competency edC/ edC/ Webber, S., Jonston, B. (2006). Information literacy Place