Thing 1

Thing 1. Getting Started

Purpose. What are we doing here?

The Media Landscapes Campaign is designed to help library staff understand how people navigate the media and information landscape, and how forces within that landscape influence their navigation. But, before we get to that, it is important to have a shared understanding of what we mean by information literacy and digital literacy, what the difference between those terms is and why this is important to us all.

Introduction. What are Digital and lnformation Literacies?

Information literacy is the ability to recognize when information is needed and to have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information. Information can be in any format: in print, in a digital format, in-person collection of information, eg., an interview, or any other recognizable source of information. Digital literacy refers to the ability to understand information and perform tasks in digital environments. While one can be information literate without being digitally literate, in order to be digitally literate, you must first have the foundational knowledge of information literacy.
For 23 Things, we will put a primary focus on digital literacy. This can include, but is not limited to:

using a computer to find, manipulate, and communicate information
identifying information in various types of media and formats (such as online newspapers, databases, websites, social media platforms, or videos)
critically evaluating media and information sources for truthfulness, accuracy, credibility, and reliability
using digital tools and information ethically and safely

All of these skills are important to students and adults as we become lifelong learners.

Videos

Watch this brief (9:48) TED Talk, “Information Literacy”
https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_arms_information_literacy

Now watch this video about what it means to be information literate in educational settings and everyday life (4:26)
https://youtu.be/1ronp6Iue9w

Readings

What is Digital Literacy? | EdWeek Article
https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-is-digital-literacy/2016/11

Information Literacy and the Workforce: A Review | Education Libraries: Vol 32 #11: Winter 2011. 7-14. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ961219.pdf

Activities : Where are you in the Landscape?

We found a terrific Digital Knowledge Quiz from Pew Research Group.

If you haven’t already, register your participation to get updates when new Things are released and to help us understand how many people are participating. Register.

Conversation Starters

What is the value of curiosity in research and in our everyday lives?
What factors shape how easy or difficult information is to find and use?

Evaluation – each Thing will end with an evaluation. Though it is not a requirement, if you wish to receive clock hours, you must complete the evaluation with your registered email address.

Additional Resources