Introductory Blog Post

THE END IS NEAR!

It's hard to believe that I'm almost done with my graduate work and I will soon begin a new chapter in life.  I have enjoyed the journey, but not the grey hairs that go along with it!

I've been settled in Fairmont for a whole year now and finally feel like I have a "home."  When I make it to my little abode in Belleview it feels like a good place to be.  I miss seeing my 2 grandsons on a regular basis and spending time with my daughter, but I'm hopeful that once I finish my studies I will have more time with them. 

I'm still working at the Folklife Center on campus and find that as much as I love this place and what we do here, that I'm looking forward to the next chapter in life.  I encourage everyone to stop by sometime and see who we are - there are some wonderful resources here!



VIDEO COMMENTS

This video is completely about information literacy as it shows multiple examples of the sources where students can access information.  Not only does it show resources, but it also shows the complex language that is behind the scenes. 


INFORMATION LITERACY

There are a variety of definitions for information literacy and many have similarities. I like the simplicity of ths definition.  This site has additional information.

Information Literacy - 1. Information literacy is the ability to recognize the extent and nature of an information need, then to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information. (Plattsburgh State Information and Computer Literacy Task Force, 2001)



Toth, M. (2013). Definitions of information literacy. Retrieved from http://www.plattsburgh.edu/library/instruction/informationliteracydefinition.php

Why Wiki? Week #1

I have often heard it said, "do not use Wiki!"  There is a common thought that anything and everything posted on Wikipedia is wrong and unreliable.  That thought has migrated into any information that is Wiki based (using common Web 2.0 tools) is wrong and unreliable.  This assumption that Wiki is wrong is exactly the reason that training on information literacy is vital.

Wikipedia is an important research and knowledge tool.

•  A review of wiki materials on any topic can serve as a vital brainstorming tool for students conducting research. 
• Wikipedia provides links to other sources on a specific topic.
• Wikipedia has opportunities for students to share information that have uncovered in independent research.

Wikipedia is an excellent resource to teach the importance of infomration literacy because it will share information that is both correct and incorrect.  Citations from Wikipedia should be strongly discouraged as students need to learn to verify information.

Why Information Literacy is Important in a Democratic Society - EDUC 6816

The beginning of another course  - - - this is exciting!  Of course part of my excitement is because I am now very close to being done.

In his video, Brett Solomon of Acces, touches on some interesting points of literacy freedom.  Before looking at those points it is interesting to look at the mission of Access. 

"Access defends and extends the digital rights of users at risk around the world. By combining innovative policy, user engagement, and direct technical support, we fight for open and secure communications for all."

Wow!  To think of digital access as a right!  People have long opposed censorship in literary works so it is easy to make that transition to digital rights.  I have never considered access to digital media a right before though.  Wow! 

The intriguing part part of their mission statement is "open and secure communications," is it a basic human right?  As access to technology increases the trend appears to be that the answer to this question will become "yes, sort of..." 

We do not need technology to survive, so therefore it can never truly be a basic human right, but if technology is available it should not be denied for religious or political reasons. 

Technology is only as useful as the ability of one to use it and process the information.  Information literacy like many other literacies is not  a natural skill for all.  Some individuals process and analyze information more easily than others, but many people (both young and old) need training in how to access and process information.  I'm reminded of the ease at which elderly are targeted and taken advantage of my telemarketers and door to door salesman.  So too are the young and uninformed susceptable to misinformation in technology.  Training in computer literacy is vital.


Solomon, B. (2011). Abut us. Retrieved from https://www.accessnow.org/about