You Can’t Ignore Information Literacy Skills – Especially in Online Classes

If you think information literacy standards are only for librarians or academic researchers you could be costing yourself a better grade, a better job or even a better understanding of the world around you.

While information literacy may seem like a nonsensical term your instructors made up for their own enjoyment, it is actually a very valuable core skill. At Bryant & Stratton College, we value it so much that it is one of the 10 core skills we expect students to attain before graduation.

Why are information literacy skills so important? The internet has made information more accessible, but that does not mean that all of the information available is accurate or reliable. All of us have seen how quickly fake “facts” or misinformation can spread online; you may have even unknowingly helped spread the incorrect information yourself! Mastering the skill of information literacy helps you learn how to more easily verify, analyze and summarize that information from a variety of sources.

As a student, information literacy plays a big role in your assignments and coursework. But the skill is not limited to writing term papers. You use information in all aspects of earning your degree. Improving your information literacy skills can help you in a variety of classes including math, science, English and degree-specific courses.

For example, since reading is largely emphasized in an online degree program the ability to process what you read, assess it, then apply it to online discussions, class assignments and tests is very important. Learning to master the ability to translate information in this way can help you improve your grades and demonstrate your understanding of subjects better.

Additionally, information literacy standards continue to be highly sought after by employers across all fields. Information is part of all jobs these days and employers are looking to hire individuals who can competently identify, locate and access information then articulate that information for the benefit of the company. From administrative roles to executives, having information literacy is key at any level.

Most importantly, information literacy helps us gain a better perspective of the world. Possible sources of information are multiplying faster than anyone can count, so how do you know what is accurate and what is fabricated? Understanding the basic elements of information literacy can help you be a savvy information consumer and more easily identify the right facts from the wrong ones.

So in your online degree program, be sure to pay attention to the information you are being asked to consider. Starting to look critically at the facts presented to you today will help you after graduation and for the rest of your life.

If you want to know more about how you can gain information literacy skills, contact the Admissions office.