Information fluency is the ability to think critically while engaging with, creating, and utilizing information and technology, regardless of the information platform or medium. It is more than just knowing how to use information literacy skills; it is also about understanding how to use them in a way that is productive, safe, and respectful.
Information fluency includes the following skills:
- Identifying the need for information: This includes being able to ask relevant questions and to determine the type of information that is needed.
- Finding information: This includes being able to use a variety of sources to locate information, including books, articles, websites, and databases.
- Evaluating information: This includes being able to assess the credibility and accuracy of information, and to identify bias and propaganda.
- Using information: This includes being able to integrate information from multiple sources, to synthesize information into new ideas, and to communicate information effectively to others.
- Creating information: This includes being able to create new information in a variety of formats, such as reports, presentations, and websites.
Information fluency is an essential skill for success in today’s world. In the workplace, information fluency is needed to conduct research, make decisions, and communicate with others. In school, information fluency is needed to complete assignments, learn new things, and participate in class discussions. And in our personal lives, information fluency is needed to make informed decisions about our health, finances, and relationships.
There are many ways to improve your information fluency. You can take online courses, read books and articles, or attend workshops and seminars. You can also practice using information fluency skills in your everyday life. The more you use information fluency skills, the more fluent you will become in using them.
Here are some examples of information fluency:
- A student who uses a variety of sources to research a topic and then creates a presentation that synthesizes the information into new ideas.
- A business professional who uses information fluency skills to identify and evaluate market research data, and then uses that data to make strategic decisions for the company.
- A parent who uses information fluency skills to research the best schools for their child, and then communicates that information to other parents.
- A citizen who uses information fluency skills to research the candidates in an election, and then casts an informed vote.
Information fluency is an essential skill for everyone in today’s world. By developing your information fluency, you can improve your critical thinking skills, your communication skills, and your ability to make informed decisions. You can also become a more engaged citizen and a more productive member of society.
