Information Literacy FPLC Melton 2007-8
From CTLpedia
Reflections on my Experience in the Information Literacy Faculty and Professional Learning Community, Marcia Melton, Library Department, Mesa Community College, Contact me (mailto:melton@mail.mc.maricopa.edu)
Sumary: My project summary.
Information Literacy FPLC Background
This can come from your FPLC group page...
My Initial Views on Information Literacy
Information Literacy is a very crucial skill in today's information rich (actually "overloaded") culture. As a Librarian, I see this as an area which is integral to the entire educational process. I am eager to see what other colleagues feel about this also.
My Goals or Hopes for My Information Literacy FPLC Experience
I am hopeful that this group might be able to make the wider campus community aware of the importance of Information Literacy. The skills and knowledge of being information literate are so important and also so confidence-building for students, but sometimes the concept is not widely known or its importance widely acknowledged. Just the fact that a FPLC group has been established to deal with this important knowledge area is certainly a step in the right direction.
Information Literacy FPLC Activities Experienced
The articles we have used as "food for thought" have been well -chosen and accessible. They serve as a backdrop to discussion of how to infuse Information Literacy into various disciplines and course curriculum. This seems to certainly be step one. However, I hope we will be able to also find some reading or opinions beyond the "academic/professional types" to see what might be being said, if anything (an important IF), in the wider world. So often, the educational community sees and knows the great value of something like Information Literacy, but it is not a concept considered important in the "real world" of the student. An example of this is when students write papers or search for information and eventually end up at the Library Reference Desk, they are often confused and discouraged -- and then, in my experience, they are surprised, delighted, and grateful when they can be shown how even the most basic information literacy skills can open doors for them. If we can translate this common "reference desk revelation" into empowerment for many students, I think this would truly be education. An example of an article of this type might be found on our FPLC Resources list -- and is entitled: "Teens struggle to find accurate, useful health information online." Managed Care Weekly, 10 Nov. 2006: 6.
Reflection on my Experience in Information Literacy FPLC
The Info. Lit FPLC has been an interesting and gratifying experience. The membership of the group has been varied and changing, with members of Faculty, PSA, Library Personnel, Adjunct Faculty, and Early Retirement Faculty. This diverse group, though not large, was extremely congenial and supportive of one another's learning and efforts. It was good that we had people in addition to just "library people" for quite a bit of the time. For me, the "membership aspect" and getting to discuss topics of information literacy and teaching was the most beneficial part of the FPLC. It seemed that we truly became "a community" and we became enthused about the topics we covered and supportive and encouraging of one another.
As to accomplishments, there were quite a few with lasting benefits. Some members of our group partnered with a Faculty member from the Reading Dept. and did numerous sessions of collaborative teaching and learning between 2 departments. We were able to discuss the implications of Information Literacy and see it really be used in the classroom and have an effect on students. We also designed an online library tour tutorial for the Library which we are hopeful will become a regular feature of the library home page. A member of our group also completed a very effective Tutorial for a University of Arizona Graduate Class and shared it with us. It seemed that so many of our efforts went out into a wider world and really did accomplish our overall goal of bringing information literacy awareness to the MCC community.
As the FPLC process draws to a close, I would say that this process certainly brought many advantages in two areas, both equally important: (1) Learning, exploring, and experimenting in the subject area of information literacy, and (2) Gaining a sense of respect and friendship for the persons in the group.
Final Reflection on Information Literacy in Teaching and Learning
The effects of this FPLC will, I hope, ripple out into the broader campus community in ways both subtle and direct. For the group membership, I think these "ripples" will leave us feeling enhanced and satisfied because of our participation and the association with colleagues -- and certainly challenged to continue to use these concepts in our work.
Annotated Resources and References on Information Literacy
Our FPLC compiled this together. Please see Main Info. Lit. FPLC page for full bibliography.
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