Navigating the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re a newbie to the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum (ESIFC), things might seem overwhelming at first. But don’t worry! With this beginner’s guide, we’ll navigate through the basics of the ESIFC, and help you get a better understanding of what it is and how it works.
What is the Empire State Information Fluency Continuum?
The ESIFC is a comprehensive framework that outlines the skills and abilities students need to be successful in the 21st-century.
It covers six core areas of information fluency, which are:
1. Define
2. Locate
3. Select
4. Organize
5. Synthesize
6. Evaluate
Each of these areas breaks down into more specific skill sets, with clear objectives and measurable outcomes. These skills are essential for students as they explore and critically evaluate information that they encounter in their everyday lives.
Why is the ESIFC important for students?
In today’s information-rich world, students need to be able to evaluate the information they encounter critically. The ESIFC provides a comprehensive framework that helps students learn the skills they need to evaluate information, draw conclusions, and make informed decisions.
Moreover, the ESIFC prepares students for life in the digital age. By teaching them essential skills such as evaluating information sources, organizing and synthesizing information, and clearly communicating their findings, the ESIFC helps students develop critical thinking skills and a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
How can students use the ESIFC?
Students can use the ESIFC by working through the six core areas and developing the particular skills required for each one. As they progress, students will become more proficient in using the skills and will be able to apply them in different contexts.
For example, a student working on a research project might use the “Locate” area to identify relevant sources of information. They would then use the “Select” area to evaluate the quality of those sources, and the “Organize” area to structure their findings. Finally, they would use the “Synthesize” area to pull together all of their research and create a clear and concise report.
Final thoughts
The ESIFC provides a comprehensive framework that helps students learn essential 21st-century skills. By breaking down information fluency into clear objectives and outcomes, students can develop the skills and abilities they need to be successful in the digital age.
Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, the ESIFC is an essential tool that can help students navigate the complex world of information and make informed decisions. By understanding the ESIFC and developing the skills required, students can be confident in their ability to evaluate and use information effectively.
