Information Literacy Main

INFORMATION LITERACY: Definition

Information literacy refers to the broad range of skills required by 21st century students to become effective users of information. It includes the ability to solve problems, the ability to think critically in new and unpredictable situations, and has expanded to include new literacies such as technology literacy.

Two outstanding examples of continuums that address information literacy skills have been developed by River East Transcona School Division, Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the Ontario School Library Association . These documents may be used to provide a framework when collaborating with teachers.

Information
Literate
Students...

Prepare for
Research

Access
Resources

Process
Information

Transfer
Learning

Eight information literacy outcomes and accompanying indicators practised by effective 21st century learners have been identified in the 2003 publication Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada.

Outcome 1: Uses Information with Aesthetic Appreciation
Outcome 2: Uses Information Responsibly
Outcome 3: Uses Information Respectfully
Outcome 4: Uses Information Critically
Outcome 5: Uses Information Strategically
Outcome 6: Uses Information for Decision-Making
Outcome 7: Uses Information Expressively
Outcome 8: Uses Information and Media Tools with Technical
Competence

Note: Literacy outcomes need to be practised! Constant reinforcement helps to create information literate students. Use an information literacy rubric to help assess and guide student learning. link...

Making Connections

The Common Essential Learnings (CELS) identified by Saskatchewan Learning are embedded in the development of information literate students and typically, are addressed through resource-based learning.