Margam Madhusudhan, PhD Associate Professor Department of Library & Inf. Sci., University of Delhi

Information Literacy and Life Long Learning

M-109: Information Literacy Applications in LIS

Unit-V: Trends in Information Literacy

Introduction Information literacy and lifelong learning have a strategic

and mutually strengthening relationship that is essential in the success of every individual, organization, institution and society inside the global information society

The multi-dimensional level of literacy cultivates and reinforces lifelong learning in which individuals develop and retain the need to know, and have acquired the skills to ask and answer appropriate questions.

Lifelong learning is an organizing principle and strategy that promotes education on a holistic basis.

This holistic approach embraces both a systemic strategy and a comprehensive focus on the individual.

Systemic and Individual Level

• How competence frameworks can be established for assessing competencies in relation to the existing education system?

Systemic Level

• The holistic focus would include strategies supporting individuals by providing the basis for goal-directed personal development and career-planning; putting in place a portfolio or competence passport as a way of individuals reflecting on, collating, describing and presenting their own skills and competencies.

Individual Level

Introduction (2) Information competencies are a key factor in lifelong learning. They are the first step in achieving educational goals. Information literacy (IL) encompasses knowledge of one’s

information concerns and needs, and the ability to identify, locate, evaluate, organize and to create, use and communicate effectively information to address issues or problems at hand;

IL is a prerequisite for participating effectively in the information society and is part of the basic human right of lifelong learning.

Hence, Libraries and Librarians are truly and significant contributors to the success of their organizations, as well as active partners in IL education for life-long learning.

Information Literacy recognizes that accurate and complete information is

the basis for intelligent decision making recognizes the need for information formulates questions based on information needs identifies potential sources of information develops successful search strategies accesses sources of information including computer-

based and other technologies evaluates information organizes information for practical application

Information Literacy-Related terms Information fluency – Capability or mastering of

information competencies User education – Global approach to teach

information access to users Library instruction – Focuses on library skills Bibliographic instruction – User training on

information search and retrieval Information competencies – Compound skills and

goals of information literacy Information skills – Focuses on information abilities Development of information skills – Process of

facilitating information skills Source: Jesús Lau, 2013

Key Areas of Learning

Information Literacy

Learning thinking processes associated

with knowledge creation and information management

Learning how to communicate with

people to access and exchange data

information and knowledge

Learning the intellectual norms of the subject domain associated with the

production of knowledge

Learning how to use information tools

(technology, systems and sources) to access,

organize and distribute data information and

knowledge

Source: Hepworth, 2000: 24

Information Skills The semantics of information skills differs from

“information competencies” in the sense that “competencies” imply a set of skills, but they could be regarded as synonyms.

Competence is the skill or aptitude to do something; while the ability is viewed as the capacity and willingness to do something.

In other words, information skills could be defined as the capacity to identify an information need and the aptitude to satisfy it.

Synonyms of Information Skills are information competencies, information capacity.

Purpose of Information Literacy To develop information seeker becomes aware of the

information gap and its critical consequences Help in defining his/her information need. Facilitates sense-making and reduction of vast quantities of

information into fundamental patterns into a given context. A symbiosis between knowledge and information. Information eliminates uncertainty and knowledge leads to

confidence. IL ensures confidence and sense-making among confused and

uncertain information. Prerequisite for resource-based learning, information

discovery, and inquiry and problem-based instruction.

Information Literacy - Library Role Repository of knowledge Information reservoir in multiple formats Center with librarians who are information experts Department with learning spaces A Place for interaction with learning peers and teams Space for knowledge socialization A Place with information advisers / reference

specialists and consultants Center with computer access, processing, and

communication of knowledge Gateway to the Internet, a world of information Become a fertile ground for educating patrons in

becoming information literate and lifelong learners.

Lifelong Learning The concept of lifelong learning was first employed in the 1920s

by John Dewey, Eduard Lindeman, and Basil Yeaxle, starting from the idea that it is a continuous part of everyday life (Solmanz, 2017).

The concept ‘Lifelong Learning’ was introduced in Denmark as early as in 1971 and later it was emphasised in the UNESCO reports of 1972 and 1996 (Singh, 2015)

In the information age, life-long learning refers to a learning process that continues through life and is everywhere in order to adapt to ever-changing conditions in contrast with education and learning skills compressed to a particular period of life.

Life-long learning also means creating new opportunities for individuals by updating their basic skills or providing more advanced educational possibilities and providing a second chance for individuals by way of developing basic skills as well as various learning opportunities.

Lifelong Learning - Meaning

Knowledge

Skills

Values

Developing certain attributes or dispositions

Key to surviving and thriving in the changing world

Does have its own curriculum

Lifelong Learning : Definitions “A continuously supportive process which stimulates

and empowers individuals to acquire all the knowledge, values, skills and understanding they will require throughout their lifetimes and apply them with confidence, creativity, and enjoyment in all roles, circumstances , and environments.” (Laal,2012).

According to Bruce (1999), “the acknowledgment of lifelong learning as an educational goal was one of the main driving forces behind the development of information literacy as a global phenomenon.”

Lifelong Learning : Definitions (2) The learning-how-to-learn perspective, initially

proposed by ALA, involves the “ability to locate, manage, critically evaluate, and use the information for problem-solving, research, decision-making, and continuous professional development.

This is seen as a vital component for lifelong learning because it enables students to develop a framework for independent learning and transferable skills that can be applied to new situations and problems (Orr et al., 2001).

The expansion of information literacy beyond an educational setting is an essential commodity for survival in a lifelong learning context.

1. Developing lifelong learning abilities 2. Doing well in learning plan and time

management, 3. Being able to use various learning

methods and strategies enjoying in team learning,

4. Conducting self-directed learning, 5. Evaluating lifelong learning, etc.

Lifelong Learning - Characteristics

Need for Lifelong Learning Leads to an enriching life of self-fulfilment

Helps us make new friends and establish valuable relationships

Opens the mind and helps fully develop natural abilities

Helps us find meaning in our lives and adapt to change

Makes the world a better place and increases our wisdom

Lifelong Learning Acknowledges that learning is not restricted to time

and place, and it can be undertaken anywhere that the passion for learning is present.

is a skill that all individuals in the information societies are ought to have.

Acquiring skill, individuals are enabled to benefit from any opportunity that they may encounter in their lives.

Helps to cope with changes in areas such as science and technology.

The keystone of lifelong learning is information literacy.

Five R’S of Lifelong Learning Resourcefullness - the good range of techniques of your

disposal. Remembering - involves getting the best out of the memory.

But it is more than just remembering the fact. Resilience - is a special kind of persistence in learning and it

involves being able to deals with all the difficult emotions you experience when things set tough so you can see through.

Reflectiveness - is a key way to extract meaning of your experience. It involves relying and processing what you have and asking yourself.

Responsiveness - is about putting into practice what you have learned. In this we find out something around us and something around world.

Source: Crawfordeng, 2016

Process of Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning process, going on from birth to the end of our life, beginning with learning from families, communities, schools, religious institutions, workplaces, etc.

Lifelong Learning – All about

Need for updating the existing Knowledge

Need for new skills

Need for Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning must include:

Learning to know

Learning to do

Learning to be

Learning to live together

Learning: The Treasure Within

The following principles are significant in developing the lifelong learning system:

1. The learner’s active participation and responsibility; Cooperation and learning from each other;

2. The quality, flexibility, transparency and trustworthiness of learning opportunities;

3. Consideration of special needs in the organization of studies and learning environments;

4. Gender equality; 5. Openness, tolerance and international cooperation;

Continuity of the Estonian state, its language and culture;

6. Sustainable development; 7. Evidence-based decision-making.

Lifelong Learning Principles

Information literacy - is a set of skills” that can be learned. That set of skills includes a certain attitude toward learning itself, the use of tools, such as online tutorials, the use of techniques, such as working with groups, and the use of methods, such as a reliance on mentors, coaches and ombudspersons.

Lifelong learning - is a good habit that must be acquired and accompanied by the adoption of a positive frame of mind. The willingness to change and a curiosity or thirst for knowledge are very helpful pre-conditions to lifelong learning.

Information literacy v/s Lifelong Learning

Relationship between Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning

Lifelong Learning

Independent Learning

Information Literacy

Source: Bundy, 2004: 5

Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning

Both improve Set of personal choices

and options Quality and utility of

education training Prospects of finding and

keeping a job Effective participation in

social contexts

Differences IL is a set of skills

LLL is a good habit

Inter-relationships

Self-motivated Self-directed Self-empowering Self-actuating

Source: Jesús Lau, 2013

Information Literacy and Lifelong Learning

"In an era of lifelong learning, this effectively means that information literacy has relevance for all ages from primary school to senior citizens.

Information literate people understand more than how to find information, they understand its limitations and the need to examine how they use information, and they understand how to manage and communicate information.

Information literacy is an essential and discrete dexterity – everyone relies on information every day." (CILIP, 2018)

Lifelong learning, also known as the "lifelong, voluntary, and self-motivated" pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.

Role of Librarian in Lifelong Learning

Adopted from: Yuhfen Diana Wu , 2006: 15

Role of Organizations in LLL IL programmes should become essential components to

facilitate lifelong learning and putting knowledge to work. UNESCO was celebrated in the United Nations Literacy

Decade (2003-12) as well as promoting the Education for All Programme (EFAP) and the Information for All Programme (IFAP).

Independent learners and critical thinkers are the expected outcomes of information literacy.

The bottom line is that IL programmes must be based upon the complexity and diversities of learning communities; and cultural hegemony and intellectual imperialism must not be allowed to prevail in these programmes.

IL must serve as the backbone of self-actualization and learning.

The momentum for lifelong learning- India Lifelong learning has been an integral part of Indian

culture (Shah,2018) The first formal recognition of lifelong learning came

in 1966 when the Indian Education Commission (1964-66). Education does not end with schooling, but is a lifelong process (Report of Indian Education Commission, 1966).

National Policy on Education (1986) considers lifelong education as the “cherished goal of the educational process which presupposes universal literacy (Government of India, 1986).

UNESCO sponsored international conferences on lifelong learning held in Mumbai (1998) and Hyderabad (2002).

Lifelong Learning emphasized empowering people, expanding their capabilities and choices in life and enabling individuals and societies to cope with the new challenges of the 21st century (Singh, 2002)

Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) as is evident from the formulation of the UGC Guidelines on Lifelong Learning and Extension which stated that with the beginning of the Eleventh Five Year Plan, the UGC would accord highest priority to lifelong learning to meet the demands of the emerging knowledge society and facilitate the process of developing a learning society (University Grants Commission, 2010).

UGC – Guidelines on Lifelong Learning and Extension (during the XI Plan period).

The momentum for lifelong learning- India

Digital Inclusion The National Knowledge Commission (NKC) envisioned

knowledge society in India can be ensured only by providing massive low-cost instant access to quality information.

The Government of India must be impressed upon to take the recommendations of the NKC to their logical conclusion by implementing them in a phased manner.

INFLIBNET leadership should take the lead in promoting the concept and practice of IL throughout India. It must also extend its resources and services to academic and sectoral grassroots to support lifelong learning and knowledge management.

Source: http://illl.du.ac.in/

The Lifelong Learning- Cast study of DU

The vision of the ILLL is to emerge and make a mark in the realms of lifelong learning and higher education through information and communication technology across the world.

The mission of the ILLL is to stimulate, support and sustain a university-wide transformation of educational and lifelong learning curricula & content and capacity building for greater awareness, acceptance and participation in and practice of the ethos of lifelong learning and ICT enabled instruction, learning and assessments by the entire DU fraternity.

1. Web 2.0 the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies has great potential

to support lifelong learning endeavours, allowing for informal, just in time, day to day learning.

Constant change is emerging as the new normal to survive

and thrive in organizations and individuals. 2. Workplace learning Now a days formal training is only a beginning Knowledge is accumulating at such a fast rate that one

must continue to learn to be effective

Trends in Lifelong Learning

Technology can make a lifelong learning reality. With electronic tools, people can learn virtually anytime

and anyplace they choose without obstacles in place ,time and social status.

The e-learning is not seen as a shift from the traditional to open learning. But instead as a support to conventional learning processes with the use of IT.

The new learning process brings up the following shifts: 1. From linear to hypermedia learning. 2. From instruction to construction and discovery. 3. Form teacher –centered to learner-centered education.

ICT and Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning and continuing education

Micro learning: there is increasing recognition that very often small is beautiful when it comes to learning experiences.

Many students have neither the time or the need to engage in extended, and formal courses experience for much of the learning they want or need on a day to day basis.

E.g., smartphones, web videos, apps, and other tools. Virtual conferences: Virtual conferences, convenience, and logistics

standpoint not to grow dramatically. They are too attractive from the cost point of view.

Flipped classroom: The idea of the “flipped “ classroom is that core content can be reviewed and digested outside of the classroom. Class time can then be used for in-depth discussion, collaborative learning etc.

MOOCs : The evolution of Massive Open Online Courses

has added new dimensions to online learning and become a hot topic in all disciplines

SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active Learning for Young

Aspiring Minds ) by the MHRD, Government of India. The UGC has propagated the SWAYAM by asking the

universities in India to let the students earn credits under the, “Choice Based Credit System” (CBCS) from the MOOCs available on SWAYAM which in turn can be considered for the evaluation of his/her final assessment at the UG and PG degree.

Open education Self directed learning

Lifelong learning and continuing education

Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Builds New Skills, and Improves existing skills

Nurtures curious minds

Opens minds and increases wisdom

Improves memory and

increases self-confidence

Updating knowledge Developing new skills & competencies Handling the constant change Acquiring foresight Understanding developments Personal, professional & intellectual development Maintaining competitiveness, employability &

productivity Promoting social inclusion Promoting freedom of expression and opinion Improving personal choices and options Enabling adaptation to the information society Creating a highly skilled workforce & healthy societies

Other Benefits of Lifelong Learning

Conclusion Education is the best known instrument for ensuring

universal human rights, promoting democracy, enhancing productivity, and protecting the environment.

The UNESCO characterizes 21st century education as being education geared to developing lifelong learners.

Information Literacy prepares individuals to make immediate and permanent use of information effectively by teaching the concepts and logic of information access and evaluation, and by fostering information independence and critical thinking.

Conclusion (2)

“Information literacy is an ongoing journey; it should not be considered a destination”

The successful individuals of the future will be the individuals can access information, who can use technology in locating information, who can solve problems, and who can learn on their own.

Information Literacy is part and parcel of lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments,

and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their

investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their learning.

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Acknowledgements

I acknowledge and thankful to all the authors/

universities/Institutes/websites/Libraries, whose original works are being used by me in the form of references, images, and screenshots in this presentation for better understanding of the users’ and also for academic purposes only.