Creating a literate person is one of the main goals of middle and high schools. As technology has become so pervasive, the types of literacies have expanded. How does information fluency, a staple of librarianship, encompass the skills students need for the 21st century?
Various Definitions
21st Century Information Fluency Project
The goal of IMSA's 21st Century Information Fluency Project is to help librarians, teachers and students (learners of all ages) enhance their ability to locate, evaluate and ethically use digital information resources.
Resources:
What is Digital Information Fluency (DIF) - list of the Core Competencies
MicroModules - short, self-directed lessons on various Internet topics.
Metiri Group: EnGauge 21st Century Skills
http://www.metiri.com/features.html
The enGauge 21st Century Skills were developed through a process that included literature reviews, research on emerging characteristics of the Net-Generation, a review of current reports on workforce trends from business and industry, analysis of nationally recognized skill sets, input from educators, data from educator surveys, and reactions from constituent groups. Sources are listed and cross-matched in a matrix included in the full report.
Resource: Cross match of 21st Century skills with ALA Info Lit Standards (Word doc)
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/
Alliance of education, business and government leaders working to fully address the education needs and challenges of work and life in the 21st century. The site includes "literacy maps" for integrating 21st century skills into core subjects.
Resource: Learning for the 21st Century Report (PDF doc) Provides a framework for action.
Knowledge Network Explorer: 21st Century Literacies
http://www.kn.sbc.com/wired/21stcent/index.html
Knowledge Network Explorer (KNE) is the official web site of the SBC company education program and has been on the Internet since 1995. Their mission is to help schools and libraries acquire and effectively use Internet and videoconferencing technology. This site describes four literacies: information, media, multicultural, and visual.
Annette Lamb: The Evolving Definition of Literacy
http://eduscapes.com/info/evolve.html
Created by Dr. Annette Lamb, librarian and education professor at Indiana University.
This site describes four literacies: information, visual, media and technology/digital.
Noodletools: 21st Century Literacies
http://www.noodletools.com/debbie/literacies/21c.html
Debbie Abilock, creator of Noodletools and editor of Knowledge Quest, provides an overview of various types of literacies. Includes exercises and handouts.
ALA: Information Literacy Standards
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf
Module Activities
1. Discuss: Information Fluency PowerPoint
2. Complete Question 1 of the Planning Guide
3. Discuss: How are you addressing equity with DIF?
