Discovering the 5 W’s of Informational Literacy: What, Why, Where, When, and Who?
Information is everywhere, and it’s accessible at just a click of a button. However, with the massive amount of information available, it’s essential to know how to evaluate it and determine its credibility. This is where informational literacy comes into play.
In this article, we’re going to discover the 5 W’s of informational literacy, which are what, why, where, when, and who.
What is Informational Literacy?
Informational literacy refers to the ability to evaluate and use information effectively and efficiently. It is the capacity to find, comprehend, evaluate, and use information towards solving problems and making informed decisions.
This skill is vital in today’s society, where information is constantly changing and bombards us from diverse sources. An individual who is informationally literate can differentiate between fact and opinion, identify credible sources, and use information in multiple contexts.
Why is Informational Literacy Important?
Informational literacy is a critical skill today because of the immense amount of information available to us. According to the Pew Research Centre, 62% of adults get their news from social media platforms in the US. As such, it has become increasingly challenging to judge the credibility of available information.
Informational literacy helps people differentiate between credible and non-credible sources of information. Using the right information can help in decision-making, problem-solving, and enhances overall intellectual growth. By acquiring this skill, individuals can identify and avoid misinformation, propaganda, and fake news.
Where Can You Apply Informational Literacy?
Informational literacy can be applied in various contexts, including academic, social, cultural, and professional settings. For instance, students can use it to evaluate academic sources, make logical conclusions, and improve their research and writing skills. In personal contexts, individuals can utilize informational literacy to access information about their health, finances, or even participate in civic and political issues.
Professionally, employees can use informational literacy to solve problems, make informed decisions, and enhance their productivity. They can also use it in professional development by updating their knowledge and skills using relevant resources.
When Should You Apply Informational Literacy?
Informational literacy should be used whenever you require information for decision-making or problem-solving. It should be applied whenever one needs to evaluate the credibility of the information presented. It should also apply when presenting information, especially to an audience that requires factual and logical information.
Who Needs Informational Literacy?
Anyone who can access information requires informational literacy. It’s essential for students, employees, researchers, journalists, health workers, and all information consumers. Being informationally literate is a lifelong skill that helps individuals make better decisions, understand and appreciate the world around them.
Conclusion
Acquiring informational literacy helps in improving one’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and making informed decisions. It is a vital skill in today’s society where access to information is ubiquitous. By applying the 5 W’s of informational literacy, you can enhance your ability to evaluate the credibility of the sources and use information to make informed decisions.
