A1.4: “Information Literacy”

Deidra Darst

8/23/07

 

Plotnick, E. (1999). Information literacy. ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology.

TAP: The topic of Plotnick’s article entitled “Information Literacy,” is the evolution of the concept of information literacy. This article is written towards an audience whose interests include learning, literacy and the means to which these two things are obtained in today’s world.

Claim: Plotnick claims that information literacy, as a process, can be used to better the economy, the individual and educational curricula.

Evidence: This claim is supported by several changes within educational programs and the outcome of those changes. In 1983, information literacy was targeted in grades K-12 after the publication of “A Nation at Risk.” Throughout the decade of the 1980s, several published items focused on the changes that needed to be made in order to improve the education process. Computer skills and library media programs were implemented in primary education programs as a means of improving information literacy. Primary, secondary and higher education levels are all restructuring to include information literacy as a goal. This will ultimately create well-rounded students who know how to manipulate information. The SCANS report of 1991 stated that “workers of the future will be required to actively participate in the management of the company and contribute to its success.” By restructuring educational curricula to include information literacy, individuals are molded who are capable of active learning and participation within the workplace. Plotnick’s reasoning is this: in this ever-changing world, it is the responsibility of the people to remain up-to-date. All means of learning should be implemented.

Connections: The article discussed the implementation of information literacy into higher education programs. This is intricately interwoven into the fabric of my current circumstances. I am enrolled in an online course this semester. I am using the computer, Internet and specific computer software that allows me to successfully complete my course’s objectives. I can do this because I am information literate. This online course also allows me to work independently; I must be active in the learning process and therefore transform information into my knowledge base. The knowledge obtained from this course, either through the course material or technological knowledge gained, will aid in molding me into a more competent, and literate, citizen. Communication Disorders 315, the class for which I am maintaining this weblog, is calling upon my abilities as an information literate person. It is allowing me to improve my existing abilities and gain new knowledge along the way.

Plotnick’s article shares many of the same ideas as the previous articles featured here on my weblog. Past and present attempts to restructure education goals and curricula are mentioned. A connection is made between information literacy and successful workers. Information literacy creates workers who know when to look for information, where to find it, how to evaluate and use it. The Goals 2000: Educate America Act of 1994 is cited in this article, as well as in the previously mentioned texts. With this act, funding was provided for organizations to develop goals and standards that include information literacy.

Plotnick’s article seems to outline a plan and outcome for the use of information literacy. First, restructure curricula so that information literacy as a process is prevalent. This will create well-rounded, literate, active learners who will eventually become productive members of society. The economy can be improved by these competent workers. I will be included in this process when I enter the professional world. It will be my responsibility to be have experience with information literacy. I will be expected to use resource-based objectives in my therapy techniques. I will need to assist individuals who are not information literate and, in doing so, will aid them on their journeys to becoming information literate.