JULIUS NYERERE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONORS DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY

Name Registration Number

Moreblessing Marange M232702

Nancy Madziva M235002
Middy Mangure M233697
Masunda Moilah M232594
Madzima Michael M234753
Nonsikelelo M Khumalo M233428

Module: ICCT101 (Introduction to computers and communication skills)

Lecturer: Mrs. B Goroba

Due Date: November 23, 2023

Assignment Question (Group 8): In relation to characteristics of an Information Literate

Individual, discuss what is meant by:

a) Recognise the need for information - timely (as a basis for

intelligent decision-making.
b) Identify potential source (s) of information - from a vast
available.
c) Develop successful and effective search strategies.
d) Evaluate information obtained meaningfully.
e) Organise information obtained effectively for practical
application, or in critical thinking and problem-solving
situations.
Mark and Lecturer Comment:
Recognize the need for information –timely (as a basis for intelligent decision making)

Recognizing the need for information in a timely manner, as a basis for intelligent decision-
making, is a key characteristic of an information literate individual. This means being able to
identify when information is required to address a specific question, problem, or decision, and
understanding the urgency of obtaining that information to make well-informed choices. An
information literate individual recognizes that certain decisions require timely and relevant
information to be effective. This could involve understanding when to seek out current data,
recent research, or up-to-date news to ensure that decisions are based on the most accurate and
relevant information available.

In practical terms, this might involve recognizing when a decision needs to be made, identifying
the key information required to make that decision, and then actively seeking out and evaluating
that information in a timely manner. This could be in a professional context, such as a business
decision, or in a personal context, such as making an informed choice about healthcare options.

Overall, recognizing the need for information in a timely manner is about understanding the
critical role that up-to-date and relevant information plays in making intelligent decisions, and
being proactive in seeking out that information when it is needed.

Identify potential sources of information-from a vast available

Potential sources of information

Online resources

Websites and online platforms dedicated to information literacy can offer valuable insights.
These websites are maintained by university or any educational institution to provide guides,
tutorials and best practices for developing information literacy skills. Some of the examples of
websites include American Library Association.
Moving on, human sources is another potential source of information. Communication with
peers and colleagues are a good way of obtaining vital information. For instance, doctors rely on
their fellows for information in order to solve patient's problems. The good side of human
sources is it is readily available to provide needed information at the right time. If the right
person is conducted quality and up to date information will be obtained. This helps information
literacy skills. On the other side human sources can be exaggerated.

Libraries is also another potential source. Libraries provide access to resources such as full texts
journals and magazine articles, periodical indexes and online encyclopedia. Libraries collect
quality information in a wide variety of formats. Academic libraries purchase these sources for
students. Libraries have mass produced items such as books, magazines and journals. These
sources are different from most of information that is freely available because they have been
reviewed and recommended by the library with input from faculty members. Libraries have
primary source material in many forms such as historical newspapers, published letters, diaries
and government reports. This really improves information literate skills.

Archives is another potential source. Archive are places where records of all types and formats
are kept and made accessible for research and other purposes. They are good places to find
primary sources both published and unpublished materials. Personal and institutional records of
all types can be found in archives as well as media, oral history and artifacts. Materials that are
kept in archives are unique. Achieves store, preserve and make accessible records of enduring
value that have not been produced in great quantities for general public for research and
understanding hence thus improving information skills to literate individual

Educational Institutions many universities and colleges have information literacy programs or
librarians who can provide resources on the characteristics of an information literate individual.
Explore the websites of educational institutions, particularly those with library science or
information studies departments, to access course materials, research papers, or educational
resources on information literacy.

Develop successful and effective search strategies

Developing successful and effective search strategies refers to the ability of an Information
Literate individual to plan and execute a systematic approach to finding relevant and accurate
information. It involves understanding how to construct queries, select appropriate search tools
or platforms, use advanced search techniques, and evaluate search results critically.

To develop successful search strategies, an Information Literate individual must first clearly
define their information needs or research question. They should identify key concepts,
keywords, or terms related to their topic and consider synonyms or alternate terms that may be
used in relevant sources.

The next step is to choose appropriate search tools or databases based on the subject area or
discipline being researched. Information Literate individuals should be familiar with various
academic databases, search engines, library catalogs, and specialized resources relevant to their
field of study.

Using advanced search techniques is essential for more precise and focused results. These
techniques may include Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), truncation, wildcards, phrase
searching, or using specific search fields like title, author, or publication date. By combining
these techniques strategically, individuals can refine their searches and retrieve more relevant
information.

It is crucial for Information Literate individuals to critically evaluate the search results. They
should assess the credibility, authority, accuracy, and currency of the sources they find. They
also need to consider the relevance and appropriateness of the information for their research
purposes.

Furthermore, keeping track of successful search strategies by documenting search terms,

databases used, and search methodologies can help in organizing and replicating the process.
This documentation ensures transparency and allows for the possibility of revisiting and
modifying search strategies if needed.

In summary, developing successful and effective search strategies requires careful planning,
selecting appropriate search tools, utilizing advanced search techniques, critically evaluating
results, and documenting the search process. Being able to navigate the information landscape
efficiently and effectively helps Information Literate individuals locate reliable and relevant
information to meet their information needs.
Evaluate information obtained meaningful

Evaluating information obtained meaningfully refers to the ability to critically assess the quality,
relevance, and reliability of the information gathered. An information literate individual should
be able to analyze the sources of information, consider the credibility of the authors or
publishers, and assess the accuracy and currency of the information. This process involves
understanding the context in which the information was created, identifying potential biases, and
determining whether the information meets the specific needs of the task at hand. Additionally, it
involves comparing and contrasting different sources of information to form a well-rounded
understanding of the topic. Ultimately, evaluating information obtained meaningfully enables
individuals to make informed decisions and construct well-supported arguments based on
reliable and credible information.

Organize information obtained effectively for practical application or in critical thinking

and problem solving situations use

Critical thinking is a metacognitive process that, through purposeful, reflective judgement,

increases the chances of producing a logical conclusion to an argument or solution to a problem.
Organizing information effectively is essential for its practical application and utilization in
critical thinking and problem-solving. An information literate individual employs various
techniques to organize and manage the information they obtain. They may use note-taking
methods, create outlines or mind maps, develop annotated bibliographies, or utilize digital tools
and software for information organization. By organizing the information effectively, they can
easily locate and retrieve it when needed, synthesize and integrate different pieces of
information, identify patterns or relationships, and apply the information to practical situations or
engage in critical thinking and problem-solving effectively. Instruction in critical thinking is
becoming exceedingly important because it allows individuals to gain a more complex
understanding of information they encounter and promotes good decision-making and problem-
solving in real-world applications (Butler et al., 2012, Halpern, 2003, Ku, 2009). Due to what
can be considered an exponential increase in the creation of new information every year
(Darling-Hammond, 2008, Jukes and McCain, 2002), critical thinking skills are needed more
than ever in order to aid individuals in becoming more adaptable, flexible and better able to cope
with this rapidly evolving information. This review investigates existing theoretical frameworks
of thinking skills and educational objectives, as well as cognitive models situated in empirical
research; and aims to develop an integrated framework of learning outcomes based on the
integration of these extant frameworks with recent conceptualizations of critical thinking.
Overall, an information literate individual possesses the skills to recognize their information
needs, identify reliable sources of information, develop effective search strategies, evaluate
information critically, and organize information for practical application or critical thinking.
These characteristics enable them to navigate the vast information landscape, make informed
decisions, and engage
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(2012)

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