ISCI 761 - Module 3 - Blog Post #2 - Digital Intersections - Christine Donaldson

Reflecting on information literacy, technology, and media/digital sources requires some understanding of what these terms mean. Information literacy is deciding when information is needed, to use acquired skills to locate, evaluate, and use the newly acquired information effectively. Technology is the machinery and equipment used the added information effectively. Media and digital are means of mass communication both print and electronic. These topics are intertwined in a variety of ways. The devices we use are technology, and we use that technology to access information via media outlets, social media, databases, and news sources. We also use these technologies to communicate with sources to verify information. Each of these items are related and interconnected. You cannot have on one without the other and these items are becoming an even larger part of our lives. 

The P21 Framework (2015) addresses the need for student education in the areas of information literacy, digital literacy, and media literacy by outlining the skills needed for students to be literate in these areas. The Podcast by the Liturgists (2017) discussed the importance of recognizing “fake news” and some tips on how to spot poor information. These tips to look for are: (1) be sure articles or posts have a listed author or contributor, (2) is there an editorial review board to hold journalists accountable, (3) are publication dates listed, (4) is information cited in the article, and (5) is correct grammar and punctuation used? Fake news is not going away, as educators, helping prepare students for understanding and recognizing fake news should be a part of all library curriculums.

These two sources increased my understanding of the concepts, but they also helped me to draw some conclusions about my own information diet. My information diets mainly consists of local news and local connections on social media. These sites are used as information about current events and news as well as the live events of family and friends. My print diet consists mainly of required readings for two U of SC classes and the occasional fiction novel.  

Using the knowledge gained from this module, my school information diet will need to change in a few ways. I will still continue to stay current with local news and events. These events are essential to my understanding of the community I work in. Reading will include more of the items to be considered for purchase and or recommendations for the students I teach. Information and media literacy will become important aspects of my long-term plans and the lessons I will teach. Keeping up to date on current technology and social sites will increase my ability to interact with students and utilize current technologies. Utilizing the technology available to me and keeping up to date on current digital and media platforms allows me to better interact with students and faculty.