Once digital information fluency skills have become embedded in the curriculum and the various school programs, it is necessary to evaluate both the program's effectivemess and student progress. This is one of the most difficult components of the entire implementation of the digital information fluency program.
Student learning and outcomes can be assessed through post-tests, self-reporting reflection, comments from faculty, and measurable outcomes on related assignments.
Perhaps the most relevant evaluation would be to have learning outcomes agreed upon before the digital information fluency instruction begins. For example, if website evaluation is the goal of the instruction, then each student's bibliography must contain appropriate websites. The accuracy could be determined by the teacher or the librarian by reviewing a website evaluation handout filled in by the student for each website entry on the bibliography.
The digital information fluency program must itself be evaluated for effectiveness. Part of this will be accomplished by the results of the student learning assessment. In addition to student outcome results, feedback should be collected from teachers and students in the form of surveys, questionnaires, and focus groups. The instructor of the digital information fluency skills should do self-reflection and review as well as keeping current with the literature and observing what others are doing in this area. Changes should be incorporated into the teaching and constant revision is necessary for a vibrant program.
Assessment Resources
21CIF MicroModules
http://21cif.imsa.edu/tutorials/micro/
Each of these short, self-paced learning modules contain a pre and posttest to verify a learner's understanding of key concepts.
UCLA Library
http://www.library.ucla.edu/infocompetence/instrument.doc (Word doc)
Example of an information literacy post-test which could be adapted for your district's use.
NETS Online Technology Assessments
http://www.iste.org/inhouse/resources/asmt/msiste/assessments.cfm?Section=NETS_OTA_Details
These assessments include some skills related to digital information fluency.
Chris Smith: Information Literacy Assessment Links
http://www.shambles.net/pages/learning/infolit/infolitass/
A comprehensive list of assessment resources for information literacy.
NCREL
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/go/go4outcm.htm
Overview of outcome-based education.
Michael Lorenzen:
Using Outcome-based Education in the Planning and Teaching of New Information Technologies
http://www.libraryinstruction.com/obe.html
This article includes a comprehensive literature review.
Module Activities
1.
Explore the complimentary issue of the Resource Kit. Complete some of the Action Zone activities, particularly the Keyword Challenge performance assessment.
2. Fill out the Feedback Survey. Questions 1-4, 6, 8-12, 22-28.
3. Discuss:
What types of assessments have been effective at measuring the digital information fluency of students? What made them effective?
4.
Complete Question 8 of the Planning Guide.
