Essential Learning Outcome:

Information Literacy

Definition:  The ability to use digital technologies, communication tools and/or networks to define a problem or an information need; devise an effective search strategy; identify, locate, and evaluate appropriate sources; and manage, synthesize, use and effectively communicate information ethically and legally.

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT LEARNING

Students must demonstrate knowledge of and/or skill in criteria #1 and #2 and two others of #s 3-6:

1. Define and identify in-depth knowledge of resources in their discipline and be able to identify and choose the most appropriate information and resources for the task at hand (i.e. research question, thesis, hypothesis, etc.).  Also to identify a wide range of appropriate sources of information and be able to make critical, reflective, and strategic information decisions.
2. The skills and ability to locate and access information and formulate sophisticated and effective, well-designed targeted search strategies.  The student is able to judge the value of the search results, use that information to adjust strategy if necessary, and narrow or broaden topic in order to answer the question most effectively.
3. A sophisticated understanding of information and research concepts.  Applies an understanding of research concepts and terminology to the inquiry process including:

a.Peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed journal articles, popular vs. scholarly sources, primary research materials, reviews of research, opinion papers, and scholarly media sources.

b.Also, synonyms, related terms, thesauri, index, abstracts, keyword and controlled vocabularies, authority and currency of information to determine appropriateness.

1. The ability to organize, manage, synthesize and communicate (written, orally, graphically and/or, visually) information effectively; apply the most appropriate tool(s), and exhibit an understanding of audience and purpose with clarity and depth.
2. A clear understanding of, and adherence to, the ethical and legal use of information including the importance of accurate citation, plagiarism, copyright infringement, and the appropriate use of paraphrasing, summarizing and quoting, inline citations, and citation styles.
3. The skills and ability to analyze their own and others’ assumptions and carefully evaluate the relevance of context when presenting a position.

Sample Activities or Assignments

• Generate a bibliography using a search focused on a specific target subject relevant to the course. For example for a Biology course: Find 2 review papers and 5 primary research papers published in the last 5 years that focus on stem cell-based therapy relating to treating diabetes. [Criteria 1, 2, 3]

• Generate a written report, oral presentation, or other relevant project (e.g. video, poster, etc.) that communicates an original position based on the appropriate use and understanding of the information found in sources (assignment “a”). [Criteria 2, 3, 4, 5]

These two assignments combined will demonstrate proficiency in criteria 1 – 6.