Introducing students to information literacy
In 'traditional' HE, it is recognised that students think strategically about what is going to get them through their course. Only those who are particularly motivated seek out opportunities to develop skills which are, at first glance, not directly linked to their course. This is no less true for OU students, who face the additional pressures typical of part-time distance learners.
'What’s in it for me?'
Here are some approaches you might try that ‘sell’ information literacy (IL) skills to students.
IL skills save time
Knowing where to look for information, developing your search techniques, learning to evaluate information - these are a few examples of IL skills that will save you time by helping you to quickly find good quality information.
IL skills contribute to employability
In a competitive job market, every little helps – being able to handle information confidently is a good selling point on a CV.
IL skills are good preparation for further study
IL skills can help support students’ progression to higher level modules, where project work or dissertations are a requirement. If students focus on developing their IL skills early on in their academic career they will be better equipped to make the transition to higher level study, where searching for information becomes necessary.
IL skills improve the quality of academic work
Being able to find high quality, relevant material that backs up an argument improves students’ work (and hopefully makes it a good read for their tutor). Being able to correctly reference the material they have referred to in their work is also essential.
IL skills are useful in daily life
Even if students are not intending to use IL in their workplace or further study, the skills are useful when looking for information in daily life.
