Skills Employers Want #5 – Information Literacy

The ability to obtain and process information is fifth on the list of skills employers are looking for, according to the results of a survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Information is Power

In many stories, crucial bits of information uncovered by the characters make a huge difference in how things evolve. In stories like “The DaVinci Code,” or “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” information is vital to unravel a mystery. Perhaps information about the law or shady business turns the tide, like in “The Firm,” “The Pelican Brief,” or “The Rainmaker.” Maybe it is critical medical research that is a matter of life or death like in “Extraordinary Measures,” which is based on a true story. There’s no doubt about it, information can be of great importance in real life. Good reliable information can make the difference in choosing the best option for health care coverage, housing, or investments. It’s no surprise that information is critical for business success, from data about sales to customer satisfaction.

Photo by Olena Bohovyk on Pexels.com

Information Literacy includes these skills:

• Locate information
• Evaluate sources & validity
• Analyze: apply logic & statistics
• Data visualization

LOCATE: Sometimes information can be located on the computer, while other times the best sources are at a library. Knowing how and where to search for information is a skill that can be developed.

EVALUATE: Is the information from a trusted source? Is it accurate, current, objective and reliable?

ANALYZE: Is the information logical and statistically correct?

DATA VISUALIZATION: Can the information be communicated in an infographic or chart?

Learn how to locate and process information with these resources:

• Video from Big Think on Critical Thinking
• Digital Information Literacy at Open University
• Information Literacy at Brock University
• Evaluating Resources at Berkeley
• Information is Beautiful
• TED talk “The best stats you’ve ever seen” by Hans Rosling

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.