Overview
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  1. Introduction

  2. The Process

  3. Outcomes

Introduction

These learning modules are designed to teach students to be information literate. Information is all around us, and often we are plagued with too much information. The process of defining, gathering and sorting through information presented in these learning modules will enable students to understand what information they need and how to find it. This module places special emphasis on critical thinking skills, as this is an essential component of truly understanding the information-rich world around us.
The modules can stand on their own or can be incorporated as a group. Feel free to use these modules in your courses. The modules are meant to be changed; they were built in a way that allows you to swap parts in and out to tailor the content to your discipline.

The Process

Information literacy isn’t a set of stand alone skills. It is a process, a way of looking at information around you and deciding how to manage the information around you. This process is often circular, when answering one question leads you to more questions.
  1. Define the information need
  2. Plan an effective search strategy
  3. Locate and gather relevant resources
  4. Critically evaluate information
  5. Interpret/synthesize information
  6. Use and communicate information
  7. Evaluate the process

Outcomes and Learning Objectives

The following outcomes help define the work that is done in the modules. Each module will focus on individual aspects of information literacy and address particular outcomes.

Define the information need
  1. Student is able to identify and articulate information need or question
  2. Student recognizes how much information is needed
  3. Student recognizes the context for which information is needed
Plan an effective search strategy
  1. Student articulates specific concepts and terms relating to information need
  2. Student understands varying search strategies for different types of resources
  3. Students is able to define the potential value of different kinds of resources
Locate and gather relevant resources
  1. Student is able to articulate the basic ideas of how information is organized
  2. Student is able to use the library catalog to find materials available in the library
  3. Student is able to use a database or search engine to find information outside of the library
Critically evaluate information
  1. Student is able to determine the validity, reliability and currency of information
  2. Student is able to articulate and identify fact and opinion
  3. Student is able to identify point-of-view/bias, and recognizes the context from which information comes
  4. Student is able to analyze argument, and can identify logical flaws
Interpret/synthesize information
  1. Student is able to recognize relationships between pieces of information
  2. Student is able to select pieces of information that validates thesis or argument
  3. Student is able to interpret found information and can articulate where more information is required
  4. Student is able to synthesize information into an original product
Use and communicate information
  1. Student is able to cite information correctly and consistently
  2. Student is able to articulate the legal issues surrounding the use of information
  3. Student is able to format information appropriately to fulfill his/her purpose
Evaluate the process
  1. Student is able to reflect on the process and identify where improvements could be made
  2. Student is able to articulate how the original research question changed during the information seeking process