Instructor Blog: The Keys of Information & Technological Literacy

My four-year-old asked me how snakes hear. When I said I didn’t know, she said “Can we look it up on the internet?”

I was proud of her question, even though I have no interest in learning about snakes, because it showed information literacy.

Many people think the term literacy refers only to the ability to read. However, literacy means knowledge. Another way to think of it is competency. Therefore, information literacy means knowing how to access information.

My daughter, at four, already knows that we can look things up on the internet that we don’t know. She even guessed that there would be a video about it. Information Literacy is one of the workplace capabilities listed on all supplemental syllabi. Our Virtual Library has a large amount of academic sources. Learning how to navigate it will not only help you locate academic sources for assignments, it will help you become more familiar with the databases your local library will have.

Using these databases and other credible sources will help you stay current with trends in your field and also be an informed in your community. There is nothing more powerful than being able to research a hotly debated issue and arrive at a conclusion without being swayed by inaccurate information. Another powerful skill is technology literacy. This means learning how to use technology such as software programs and programs particular to a field. It also means a basic understanding of technology to allow for greater ease with new versions of software, for example.

Students at Bryant & Stratton College will develop technology literacy through navigating Blackboard, Outlook and the e-portfolio, among other programs and websites. One of the first courses new students will take is INFT 123 Computing Skills, which is focused on learning Microsoft Office. Technology literacy also involves basic troubleshooting skills.

For example if a website is not working, you would first check to make sure your internet connection was working. Then you might try a different browser, or check for needed updates on your computer. These simple steps involve an understanding of troubleshooting that is essential in any field, as well as daily life. In each of your courses you will hone your skills, and will be able to articulate your knowledge to a potential employer. In fact, information literacy can help you locate job listings. Technology literacy will give you the skills to prepare your resume and navigate an online system for job applications.

When you graduate from Bryant & Stratton College, you will be prepared for success professionally and personally!