Information Literacy
The term Information Literacy was first coined by Zurowski in 1974 and is defined as such, “anyone who has learned to use a wide range of information sources in order to solve problems at work and in his or her daily life” This definition has evolved over time to include various aspects of Technology. The presence of ICT's may be at the forefront of discussions surrounding information literacy, though the fundamental concept refers to an individual's ability to effectively locate and utilize information, and apply those skills to a variety of situations(Grassian,2001). Information literacy is multifaceted because it encompasses a wide range of skills and abilities that are necessary for effectively locating evaluating and utilizing information. [1] This includes not only technical skills such as searching databases and using specialized software but also critical thinking skills such as evaluating sources for credibility and bias.
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Demographic impacts or causes
The digital divide refers to the gap between individuals, households, businesses and geographic areas that have access to modern information and communication technologies and those that do not. Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources. The digital divide can affect a person's information literacy skills. as those who do not have access to technology may not have the same opportunities to learn and develop these skills.
Effects on Education
Student Engagement
Information literacy can have a significant impact on student engagement as it helps students to access and make sense of the information they encounter in the classroom and beyond. Some ways in which information literacy can affect student engagement includes : empowerment, increased ownership of learning, active learning, relevance and interest, collaboration, and personalization. When students have the ability to find, evaluate, and use information, they feel more in control of their learning and more capable of engaging with the material in a deeper and more meaningful way(source). Increased ownership of learning can be impacted when students are information literate. the student is able to take more ownership of what they're learning by seeking out and evaluating information on their own which can lead to increased engagement and motivation. These skills encourage Active Learning where students are actively seeking, evaluating and applying information which can lead to deeper understanding and retention of material. When students are able to access and evaluate information on topics that interest them, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn. Furthermore, collaboration is also impacted by information literacy, the student is better equipped to work together to find and evaluate information, which can lead to increased engagement and collaboration in the classroom. Information literacy also allows students to personalize their learning experience by seeking and evaluating information that is relevant to their interests, needs, and goals.
Education Inequalities
Information literacy can play a significant role in reducing education inequalities by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to access and critically evaluate information. This can help Level the playing field for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have the same resources and opportunities as they're more privileged peers. One way that information literacy can impact education inequalities is by providing students with the ability to find and use credible sources of information for their studies. By teaching students information literacy skills they can learn how to find and use information from a variety of sources including libraries the internet and other Community Resources.
In addition to providing students with access to information information literacy can also help them develop the skills they need to critically evaluate the information they find. This can help students become more Discerning consumers of information unless susceptible to misinformation and propaganda this is particularly important given the current ERA of fake news and disinformation.[2]
The Gap in access to technology and the resulting educational disparities continue to be a major concern in the United States and other countries, affecting students from low-income backgrounds, those who are the first in their families to attend college, and minority groups. As a result, colleges and universities face the task of catering to students with varying levels of technological proficiency, with a lack of knowledge and skills in digital literacy proven to impede student achievement. [3]