Presidential Proclamation: Information Literacy
A great day for Information Literacy and the Big6!
Information Literacy – Big6 – Super3
We continue the work on Project Information Literacy see -
http://projectinfolit.org/
and for the videos see -
http://www.youtube.com/user/ProjInfoLit
Also, Bob, our trainers, and I have done many workshops and webinars over the summer. As educators focus on hands-on implementation of information literacy skills, the Big6 approach is more relevant than ever. We emphasize a consistent, systematic, and documented approach to information literacy learning. Please consult the many resources on the www.Big6.com website.
Also, please raise questions here!
– MIKE
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New Information Literacy Videos
Check out the lastest video from Mike (and Alison Head’s) Project Information Literacy. This one is on “Frustration.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmEzo51e_SQ
All the videos can be found at – http://www.youtube.com/user/ProjInfoLit
Please let us know what you think!
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The Most Basic of the Basics
The 4th R. Research.
Information Literacy.
I recently presented via video to a group in Belarus. It was a very meaningful and interesting experience. We had simultaneous translation and they had the handouts translated in advance. The best part was the extensive Q&A session.
One of the most insightful questions was about the broad applicability of information literacy (Big6) skills. The questioner posed something like, “Professor Eisenberg, you offer a new way of thinking about research and library skills. You say that these skills are applicable widely – not just for research papers and projects. But, are there any places where these skills are not important, are less applicable?”
I must admit that I was stumped at first. I hadn’t faced this question before. So, I fumbled a bit and started talking about the applicability of “literacy” itself – reading and writing. While reading and writing are certainly widely applicable, there are instances where they are less important – when riding a bicycle, for example (or learning how to ride a bicycle) or taking a photograph or deciding whether to go to the movies or for a walk. Oh yes, there are certainly instances where reading and writing could help in these situations, but it’s not required.
But, even in these situations, information skills come into play. You still size up the situation (i.e., define the task), gather information, process/use information, and sythesize decisions. You even engage in information evaluation (e.g., do I need more?) and possibly loop back to a different stage in the process.
Then it hit me – hard – that information literacy is the most fundamental, the most basic of the literacies. Reading and writing is essential in our society, and media literacy, and digital, technology, visual, financial, and all the rest are certainly important. But, information literacy – information skills – the information problem-solving process underlies all.
I will think about and write about this more, but one question: if this is true, why is information literacy teaching and learning not a focused, central part of every school? More to follow….
Mike
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Project Information Literacy Videos
I am working with Dr. Alison Head on a series of studies of information literacy and research skills of college students. Check out these short videos on YouTube. I think you’ll find them useful for presenting information literacy, starting discussions, and exploring ways of improving student skills.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ProjInfoLit
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Big6 Directory – We Need You!!
To All -
The Big6 Directory now has hundreds of schools and districts listed who use the Super3 and Big6. We have listings from almost all states and many countries.
http://www.big6.com/2008/08/28/big6-directory/
Again, we are doing this because we are constantly asked for the names of schools and districts using the Big6 or Super3.
You don’t have to be a Big6 expert or be fully implementing the Big6 throughout the school in order to join. Even if you are relatively new to the Big6 or Super3, please sign up.
http://www.big6.com/2008/08/28/big6-directory/
This is one way of showing the pervasiveness of information literacy and the Big6/Super3! This also gives you a chance to see who else is using the Big6 in your state, region, or even country, and to connect and share if you wish.
http://www.big6.com/2008/08/28/big6-directory/
So again, please sign up and share the link with others whom you know are using the Big6.
Thanks so much!
Mike
p.s. – you receive Linworth discounts and a certificate from Big6 Associates for registering.
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Must every teacher cover every area of 21st C skills? (Doug Sweeney, Carroll, Iowa)
Doug Sweeney said, on September 11:
“I am the Vocal Music Director here at CHS and believe that we are covering some of the areas listed in the Big6: creativity, communication, problem solving, leadership, social responsibility, high achievements and expectations, life-long learning and a little technology. We even use the Big6 skills to reach our final destination. Is it the responsibility of every teacher to cover every area in 21st Century Skills or to concentrate on the skills most appropriate to their subject area?”
Sue Wurster, Executive Manager of Big6 Associates responded:
“Re Doug Sweeney’s comment about concentrating on skills most appropriate for a subject area — (specifically vocal music). Vocal music was my favorite subject in high school – so I’d like to respond to this question!! Adapt the Big6 process to fit your specific instructional situation – in this case, music. Consider I’m a student who wants to compete in countywide vocal music contest. The six stages could easily apply from the time I register to compete until the judges post the final scores. If I’m a member of a choral ensemble group, process is even more important to keep the group on track through the process until final presentation time. The instructor/director’s responsibility is to help students recognize the process, described in the Big6 terminology, throughout the project, no matter the subject specialty.”
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Carroll (Iowa) Schools
Carroll High School and Carroll Middle School in Iowa are very involved with infusing 21st century skills into their curriculum. I’m working with them on Big6 interventions across the curriculum as well as Big6 connections to IT literacy and financial literacy. I spoke briefly to the faculty this morning, and I hope to carry on an interactive discussion here on the Big6 blog.
If any other school would like to participate, please do!! For Carroll faculty – please post your questions here and I will do my best to answer them in a timely way.
NOTE on Sept 20: As stated in another post, I will be answering comments in separate posts from now on.
– Mike E.
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Follow-up: The Big6 Academy 2008
The 2008 Big6 Academy ended yesterday afternoon. In my opinion, it was one of our very best events ever! The attendees came from all over including Montana, New Zealand, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Virginia, Carolina, Maine, Conn., Mass., and of course, New York.
It’s a very intensive 2 day learning experience, and Bob and I always learn new things. For example, the concern about approaches to implementation is high on the priority list. Educators want to know how to systematically engage other teachers and create a pervasive Big6 information literacy program. We discussed strategies for working with other individual teachers (e.g., focusing on existing assignments; teasing apart required standardized tests and relevant and essential Big6 aspects). We also worked on school and district-wide implementation through short presentations, use of materials (bookmarks, cards, posters, etc.), and efficient curriculum mapping and planning matrices.
This year, we also stressed the Big6 as a common vocabulary for teachers, students, and parents. We see this as more and more important. The Big6 is a common way for teachers, students, and parents to talk about “process” as well as subject area “content.” If students recognize where they are in the information process, that is “metacognition” and it’s certainly high level, critical thinking.
Next year’s academy (2009) will be held around the same time – the last Sunday/Monday in July. Besides the intensive and small group interaction with Bob and myself, attendees receive a series of Big6 books and materials, including the Big6 Workshop Handbook.
So, it’s not too early to plan for next year! If interested, contact Sue Wurster at info@big6.com.
Mike
p.s. – Special thanks to Sue for all her help in the event. Also thanks to Marette Berkowitz and Ken Wurster. Much appreciated!
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Big6 Academy – July 27-28
I’m looking forward to seeing those of you registered for the
Annual Big6 Summer Academy
WHEN: JULY 27 – JULY 28, 2008
WHERE: The Lodge at Woodcliff, 199 Woodcliff Drive, Rochester, NY
Bob and I will be working together on this. I believe there are a few more openings if you want to attend.
THEME: “The Big6 Skills Approach: Putting Curriculum and Information Technology Together” – Instruction, Technology, Collaboration, Information Literacy
PRESENTERS: Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz
Cheers,
Mike
