Patron Training  
RSS
Threads [ Previous | Next ]
Information Literacy
Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04
Hi folks, I work at a library in Australia and deliver the public education program. I am currently having a debate about the includion of teaching email fundamentals in the Information literacy program. What do you think. Are skills in emailling required for information literacy?
RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
Wow. Great Question.

My sense is that email skills are required for information literacy, but don't take my word for it!

One thing that you might do (besides hearing from some others on All Aboard) is take a look at some of the criteria for info-literacy standards, and see if they mention email.

For example, [url http://www.ala.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ACRL/Standards_and_Guidelines/standards.pdf ]this article[/url] from the ALA/ACRL (2000) states:

The information literate student validates understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners.

Outcomes Include:

Participates in class-sponsored electronic communication forums designed to encourage discourse on the topic (e.g., email, bulletin boards, chat rooms)

Seeks expert opinion through a variety of mechanisms (e.g., interviews, email, listservs)

A bit different from public info literacy, but related.

Good luck fight'n the good fight!!
RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
I definitely agree - email is a big part of getting information in today's world. And, when teaching email you have the opportunity to also teach other basic computer skills (file saving, copying/pasting) to those who may not have ever used a computer for anything besides email. Computer literacy and information literacy are becoming similar skills.
RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
Another yes vote for teaching email, and here's another reason.

In my experience of teaching basic skills to people who have none at this point is that they need a hook to get them involved and to keep them using the skills you are trying to teach. Email is a great hook, especially for seniors who want to keep in touch with kids/grandkids.

tying into motivation is always a good teaching technique.
RE: RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
I do wish the phrase "information literacy" was junked. One becomes familiar with various tools, but that has little to do with the information one reaches through using those tools.
RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
Hello dhukuray and welcome to the technology planning forum!

I think I would agree with Chrystie - email does feel like an essential part of being information literate. There's a lot of great information you can find on the web, but knowing how to use email to contact individuals for additional information seems like a key opportunity the Internet provides.

Thanks again for posting - I look forward to more discussion about this topic.

Brenda
RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
Thanks everyone for your encouragement
RE: RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
A few items:

Check out the library of the month (current, Nov 03)about how the Seattle Public Library put information literacy principles to work in their public library training program. An inspiration .. though you may want to take a coffee break!

Secondly, we're about to unveil a new forum for Training and Learning at WebJunction. Stay tuned...
RE: RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
It looks like Brian and the crew at Seattle Public are doing some great things with their training! I wonder if they would be willing to share their lesson plans and handouts with the WebJunction community? Do you think they are available online?

Brenda
RE: RE: RE: Information Literacy
3:03 PM EDT 6/20/04 as a reply to norah wren.
Brenda, as you can see, we've moved this topic into the new L&T forum. I hope you'll come visit us every now and then...

Brian is a WJ member <bbannon> but I'm not sure how often he checks the boards. I'll let him know about your question.