Understanding Digital Literacy



In todays fast moving world, information literacy is a must have skill set. It’s all about spotting the information you need, judging it’s worth and using it effectively. Information literacy can be defined as a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed information. With technology changing everyday and the web flooding us with social media, chatbots and endless resources, being information literate help you to cut through the noise of the massive information avalanche we face in all academic work and personal settings. 

Some of the characteristics of  an information literate individual include ability to identify what information they need, access the required information quickly and efficiently. Evaluate the information and its sources critically, incorporating the chosen information into their own knowledge base, turning data into useful insight. They can also identify and understand economic, legal and social issues related to using information, accessing it ethically and legally. 

Information Literacy competency standards for higher education, provide  a framework for assessing how information literate an individual is and guide learners in gaining control over how they interact with information in their environment. The standards expect every learner to demonstrate all the competencies, though not everyone will achieve the same level of proficiency or speed. Certain disciplines place greater emphasis on mastery points, meaning some competencies are weighted more heavily than others in assessment rubrics. Understanding these standards helps educators design learning experiences that empower students to navigate, evaluate and use information effectively in their academic and everyday lives.

Information literacy competency standards and indicators list a range of outcomes for assessing student progress towards information literacy. Standard one, states that an information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed. Standard two, requires the student to access needed information effectively and efficiently, standard three, involves the student evaluating information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into His/ Her knowledge base system. Last but not least, Standard four, states that an information literate student uses the information effectively to achieve a specific purpose and Standard five, explains that the student understands economic, legal, and social issues related to information use and access information ethically and legally.

Information literacy is the basic skill that fuels learning across every  discipline and every level of education.Mastering it lets you thrive in our information rich environment.

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