Lesson 3: Information Literacy

The Information in the Modern Age

Information is defined as facts or details about the

subject. Acquiring information has never been as easy as
it is today. Before, people spend a lot of time, effort and
money on research. Today, information is just at the tip of
the users fingertips.

Advancements in technology have led to an

insurmountable availability of information and a more
convenient means of accessing them. However, it raises issues of credibility of the available information,
requiring rigorous filtering of information and verification. Information literacy aims to solve this issue.

There are four (4) skills necessary to be information literate. First is to be able to recognize when information is
needed, second is to have the ability to locate and access said information, third is being able to evaluate or
assess said information, and to be able to use needed information effectively.

An information literate individual is able to:

Determine the extent of information needed
Access the needed information effectively and
efficiently
Evaluate information and its sources critically
Incorporate selected information into ones
knowledge base
Figure 3.1. The Four Skills to be Information Literate
Use information effectively to accomplish a specific
Literate
purpose
Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and
use information ethically and legally

Technology students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of concepts underlying hardware, software, networking connectivity and in

the use of computers and applications
2. demonstrate an understanding of ethics and safety issues in using electronic media and responsible use of
technology, and;
3. use technology for communication, research and collaboration and problem-solving. With proficient
technology skills, students should be able to locate, collect, synthesize, and evaluate information from a variety
of digital sources, and to use telecommunications and other media to interact or collaborate with peers,
experts, and other audiences.

The Information Needs

Information Today INC. defines information need as the motivation people think and feel to seek information. It
is the reason why people go out of their way to find answers to their questions, or solutions to their problems.

Since it is such a broad subject, information needs can be further divided in two, demands and wants
according to the University of Washington.

Information demands refer to the requirement of information while

information wants deal with the desire to have information.

It is important to distinguish the distinction between the two to further

understand the concept of information needs. Taylor, (1968) explains
that there are four points along the need continuum, first is an actual
but unexpressed need, the second is a conscious description of the
need.

Figure 3.2. Two Dimensions of Information Needs According to the University of Copenhagen College of Information
and Science, information needs may be prompted by educational,
research, professional, or recreational activities. Once the purpose of the need is recognized, identifying when
information is needed becomes easier.

Figure 3.3. The Four Points Along the Need Continuum

The Communication of Information

If information gives meaning to a subject then, the communication of information operationally defined by the
University of Washington as the transfer of meaning.

Meltzer (1971) said that communication of information requires an understanding of the data. Transferring
information from one party to another cannot be considered communication of information data is not
understood. This calls the need for proper evaluation of data.

This evaluation goes further than just verifying the credibility of information; it also allows one to have a
complete understanding of the data before it can be communication. Deciphering the meaning of
information is the true task of the Communication of information.

The Ethical Use of Information

The scholars define ethics as the branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and
recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.

Ethics gives a predetermined set of guidelines based on a code of morality that people in the society will
follow.

While ethics may vary depending on a number of factors, its core remains the same, mankinds concept of
right and wrong.

1. Give credit where credit is due

The abundance of information is because of the huge number of content contributors. It is important
that an individuals work or knowledge is given credit when someone uses it as material. Failing to
recognize them or claiming others work, as one can see is not just unethical; it can also mean legal
repercussions.

2. Practice due diligence

Whenever people come across information, they must validate its authenticity. It is important find out if
the source of information is credible and is based on facts and research. Doing due diligence before
accepting information is necessary to filter out false or misdealing data.

3. Respect everyones privacy

It is true that privacy is becoming more and more difficult to uphold in this information age. While users
may not have control about what their friends share online, they do have control over what they put
onto the virtual space. While it is not wrong to express oneself, it is not necessary that users share every
minor detail of their life on the social media accounts. This behavior does not only take up valuable
storage space on the cyberspace, it also raises security concerns. In addition to this, users should not
share personal information about someone else without their consent.

4. Separate facts from opinion

The beauty of information in todays digital age is its use of the so-called big data or content pooling by
individuals, but it has also its curse. Everyone with access to The Internet can contribute to the web of
information. If users decide to do so, then they have to separate facts from opinion. Users should not
publish personal beliefs and claim that they are right without proper research. They must only consider
information and not abuse it.

Give credit Practice Respect Separate

Figure 3.4. Ethical Use of Information where credit due everyones facts from
is due diligence privacy opinion

Sources:
Media & Information Literacy, Edward Gonzales (2016)
Media & Information Literacy, Marcus Leaning (2017)
Media & Information Literacy, Maria Jovita E. Zarate (Fifth Edition)
http://www.deped.gov.ph/sites/default/files/SHS%20Core_Media
http://www.unescobkk.org/S6D3-Ramon.pdf