A1.4 “Information Literacy in an Information Society”

Deidra Darst
8/22/07

Information literacy in an information society. (1994). ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology. Retrieved August 21, 2007 from Education Resources Information Center.

TAP: The topic of this article is the importance of information literacy in the twenty-first century. Educators and those who are interested in the learning process are the intended audience for this article. Its purpose is to explain the need for information literacy in our school systems today.

Claim: As the world’s technologies and abilities change, so should the educational curriculum that is meant to create successful citizens of the world. Educational curricula should expand to include the use of all types of media. The inclusion of all forms of information sources challenges learners, encourages them to be critical thinkers and ultimately creates well-rounded citizens.

Evidence: Information literacy, as a process, calls upon the learner to think differently and use information in a new fashion. The author supports his or her claim by focusing on educational reform within individual subject areas. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) altered mathematical curriculum standards. The NCTM claims that the process of learning math should not be mere calculations and rote memorization of formulas. Instead, it should also encompass critical thinking skills, forming connections and self-development. When used in the context of mathematics, information literacy aids learners in developing stronger skills as well as boisters confidence in their own abilities. Areas such as social studies and science are being altered to encompass information literacy practices. Learners who utilize a variety of modalities when retrieving and using new information are more likely to store that information in their knowledge base. According to the author, the transformation from information to knowledge has taken place when the learner can use the material meaningfully.

Connections: The author stated the importance that educational curricula evolve with the changes of society. This article has explained the revolutionary instructional techniques that I have been exposed to throughout my educational career. I have been using computers as educational aids since Kindergarten. I have been molded into the student I am because of the use of advanced technologies. If my primary education had not consisted of computers, computer software and various other tools, I would not possess the informational literacy that I have today as a senior in college. My university experience has included information literacy. Faculty members at Marshall University have encouraged me to use numerous sources of information: books, journals, the Internet, peers, professors and community members. This means of learning has proven very beneficial; I am now more skilled in seeking out information and also have a better understanding of how to use it.

This article parallels the article, “Information Literacy for Lifelong Learning.” Both articles state the benefits of information literacy. Because the learner is active in the learning process, whether through researching the topic, thinking critically about it or conversing with a classmate about the material, he or she serves as the medium through which the information is passed. Information is converted to knowledge by means of information literacy.

Connections can be made between this text and the world of clinical practice. The world is constantly changing, especially in the area of technological advances. With these changes comes responsibility to the professional world. Speech-Language Pathologists serve the community, so it is their duty to provide the best services possible. This means advancements should be made in the diagnostic and therapeutic realms whenever possible. Many changes have been made to the field of Speech-Language Pathology throughout the years, and all of these changes are due, in large part, to changes and advancements at any point in time. It is the duty of all service providers to provide the best aid available. In an effort to make all individuals productive citizens, all available means of learning should be explored.