Meant to post this earlier -
Interesting op-ed piece from conservative writer David Brooks in NYTimes on May 2. He makes “our” point that we are living in a new age where information skills are the key to success.
I just returned from presenting on information literacy and the Big6 in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies. I was impressed with the commitment of educators and librarians (across the board) to information literacy. There was a clear recognition that information literacy was a basic skill set for success, and that everyone – EVERYONE – need to be information literate.
There was widespread agreement that the Big6 approach was the most effective way to go:
- The Big6 fully covers the range of skills in a process context.
- The Big6 is flexible and adaptable to many different learning situations.
- The Big6 offers a standard vocabulary for talking about the various problem-solving actions.
One of the main concerns was how to be sure that people are in fact information literate. We briefly discussed various models of assessment – including the various tests emerging on information literacy -
ETS -iSkills – http://www.ets.org/ictliteracy
Sails – https://www.projectsails.org
Trails – http://www.trails-9.org/
I have not yet implemented any of these tests, but I will try to do so after the first of the year. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience with any of these.
- Mike Eisenberg
