Skills Employers Want #5 – Information Literacy

Posted on November 8, 2013 by dailyplanit

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.

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. It’s also important to know if the information you find is accurate, current, objective and reliable. Once quality information is found, understanding and organizing it is the next step.

Learn how to locate and process information with these resources:

SAFARI – Skills in Accessing, Finding, & Reviewing Information at Open University
Information Literacy at Brock University
Information Literacy course at Open University

More resources:

SWITCH Information Tutorials
Stanford University
Bare Bones 101 Searching the Web
Internet Detective – A free online tutorial designed to help students develop the critical thinking required for their Internet research

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.