UNESCO actively advocates building a society where information and communication power will help people realize their potential and gain access to the knowledge necessary to improve living standards. The concept of information literacy is becoming increasingly important. Its main task is to help people use information and communication technologies as efficiently as possible.
The evolution of information in the modern world
State, scientific, and civic communities have concluded that computers, the Internet, and smartphones are leading to profound changes in the way we store, create, and transmit information. They also believe that training in computer and media technologies is not enough to successfully take advantage of the global knowledge of society.
In the digital age, the definition of information literacy means that a simple understanding of computers is not enough. It is necessary to learn how to effectively use incredibly diverse and powerful technologies, to search, retrieve, systematize, analyze, evaluate information, use it to make decisions.
Information literacy is described in the Declaration of Alexandria. It is characterized as a "lighthouse illuminating the path to development, prosperity and freedom." In developing models of learning, cultural expression, and providing opportunities for development, information literacy and information culture are at the core of UNESCO's broader mandate to create a smart society.
The UNESCO Information for All Program focuses on information literacy as one of its three priority areas. In addition, she initiates a number of events, including the international organization of expert meetings, financing and implementing several dozen projects, issuing publications and providing an Internet portal for use by practitioners.
Lifelong learning
The concept of information literacy lies at the heart of a person’s desire for lifelong learning. One necessarily follows from the other. Common qualities that combine two concepts:
- Self-motivation and self-direction. There is no need for the mediation of another person other than the student.
- Empowerment. They are aimed at helping people of all ages, any gender, race, religion, ethnic group and national origin, regardless of their social and economic status or role in society as a whole.
- Cycling. The longer a person maintains the skill of information literacy, training and practice of habits and attitudes, the more enlightened he becomes, especially if training is practiced throughout his life.
General concept of literacy
Includes 6 categories:
- basic functional ability to speak, write, read and count;
- computer literacy;
- media information;
- distance education and e-learning;
- cultural literacy;
- informational.
These categories are closely intertwined and should not be considered independently of each other. For example, experts note that public perception divides certain people into "literate" and "illiterate." While in reality this concept covers a wide range of individual functionalities, each of which is measured on a scale of competency - beginner, intermediate and advanced. Literacy is a comprehensive concept. It includes many developed skills that affect different aspects of human life.
Information, information literacy and information culture are closely intertwined and cannot be considered separately, in contrast to complex technical issues that can be learned. In addition, this cannot be regarded as an end in itself and the highest point in learning, after which the student can sit back. There is no upper limit to literacy; learning should be lifelong.
Basic (or general) literacy
The term "literacy" is still defined as the ability to read, write and believe, which is fundamentally wrong. According to the generally accepted opinion, if a person graduated from elementary school having mastered these basic skills, he can be considered "literate". Although it is theoretically possible to become information literate without attending school (this applies to people who grew up on the street, who have learned to cope with life problems, being uneducated in a general sense).
Reading, writing and numeracy skills are prerequisites, but this alone is not enough to become information literate.
Computer literacy
Means the ability to use and control a computer (information processing machine). This is an essential component of information and computer literacy.
It is most convenient to divide it into the following categories:
- Hardware literacy. Includes a set of operations that you need to know in order to effectively use a PC, laptop or smartphone. Ability to use a computer mouse, keyboard, distinguish between the functions of the printer and scanner and other peripheral devices.
- Software literacy. The main types of this category are the base operating system (Windows); word processing software (Word); numerical data in the form of spreadsheets (Excel); create presentations (PowerPoint); use of the Internet and search engines, sending emails.
- Literacy applications. The term refers to the knowledge and skills that are necessary for the effective use of software packages. For example, an application that helps the company manage finances, personnel, equipment and inventory, workflows, schedules, and order processing systems.
Media information literacy
It covers many criteria: from the ability to use media technologies to a critical attitude to media content, while the media remain one of the strongest forces that influence the views of the majority. Public knowledge of the media promotes participation, active citizenship, competency development and lifelong learning. Thus, the formation of information literacy and information culture of the population is becoming an integral part of a democratic society.
Media literacy means: access, understanding and expression through the media.
- access includes the free use of the media, for example, navigation functions (changing television channels, channel orientation, using Internet links), media control skills (using interactive online systems, making financial transactions on the Internet); knowledge of the law (freedom of speech, protection of privacy, protection against "spam");
- understanding includes the ability to correctly interpret and have an idea of media content, as well as have critical thinking;
- creation includes interaction with the media (discussions on the Internet, electronic voting), creation of media content.
- Having experience in producing materials for different environments helps to form both a better understanding and a critical approach to media content.
Distance education and e-learning
Distance education refers to telecommunication technologies that allow students to access teachers, assignments, exams without attending school. In other words, students use virtual classes where there is no physical contact with the instructor or materials such as textbooks.
Cultural literacy
Cultural literacy means knowing and understanding how country traditions, religions, ethnic groups, beliefs, symbols, celebrations, and means of communication influence the creation, storage, processing, communication, storage of data, information and knowledge. It is important to be able to independently find useful information and analyze it.
Key skill for social development
A huge amount of information passes daily through society. It is important to be able to find only high-quality, proven knowledge and be able to use modern technology. The formation of an information culture leads to deep self-motivation and the desire to learn throughout life and, as a result, to creative development and increase the level of labor productivity. Man's understanding of the basics of information literacy is a key need for creating an intelligent society.