Information Literacy Essay

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Information literacy is a broad concept which includes other types of literacy of the 21st century. Basic literacy is a prerequisite for information literacy and it embraces many other types of literacy under its broad umbrella. According to Bawden (2001), this may include library literacy, media literacy and computer literacy. It is also opined that the main components of information literacy includes computer literacy, technology literacy, network literacy, media literacy etc.(Mailander, 2013; McClure 1994). This indicates the close relationship with information literacy and literacy related to technology.
The following types of literacy can be considered as integral components of information literacy which are essential in the digital environment.
• Computer literacy generally refers to competence in using commonly used software programs (Bawden, 2008).
• ICT literacy—It is using digital technology, communications tools, and/or networks to access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information in order to function in a knowledge society.
• Digital Literacy-- It is the ability to use effectively a variety of information and communication technologies and programs (software and hardware) in the workplace and/or in the classroom.
• Media Literacy – It is the ability to access, understand, analyze, evaluate and create media messages on television, the Internet, cell phones, social media, and other communications technologies.
Among all these types of literacy, digital literacy has gained much prominence in the present …show more content…

There are many factors that influence the development of these skills. Identifying these factors will be great helpful for designing learning experiences to develop these skills. Factors identified include collaboration, access, confidence and self efficacy, time and permission to play, openness and learning from play, changing their approach to learning, and personal growth (Jeffrey, Hegarty, Kelly, Penman, Coburn, & McDonald,

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