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Children at Computer
 Information literacy is the ability to identify an information need (a question you have), identify possible sources of information, evaluate those sources, analyze the information and use it to create new knowledge. The new knowledge is shared with others and is used to reflect on the original question: Have I answered my question? Do I need more information? Do I have now have new questions?

Information literacy involves a number of complex skills, including planning the research process; evaluating information sources, particularly those found on the Web; using information ethically and responsibly; and being safe on the Internet. On this page, you will find information about each of these skills.

The Research Process

A variety of models are available to guide the research process. 

Age/Grade

Research Model

Description
PreK through 1st grade Super3 Plan, Do, and Review. This web site has great tools for teaching these steps to young students, including the Super3 dinosaurs and fun games.
Elementary The Simple Four Plan, Act, Organize, and Reflect. This site has a number of downloadable documents and links to more information about teaching the Simple Four.
Upper Elementary through High School The Big6 A very widely-used research model with a plethora of information about teaching and implementing the six steps.
Elementary through High School The Baltimore Information Seeking Behavior Model Nine step process designed to be taught and used across the school years.


Evaluating Web Sites For Authority, Accuracy, and Credibility

Things to Check

What to Look for
URL The site's web address:
  • .gov-- means the site is created by a government agency or department (federal, state, municipal). Information is usually credible and accurate.
  • .com-- signifies a commercial site. Carefully evaluate the site.
  • .edu-- indicates the site represents a college or university. Information is usually credible and accurate.
  • .org-- means an non-profit organization created the site. Non-profit organizations usually have a particular mission or agenda. Keep this in mind, and seek corroborating sources of information.
Author
  • If an author cannot be identified, be careful.
  • If an author can be identified, is this person an expert?
    • Google the author to learn more about their knowledge and expertise.
  • For companies and organizations, does the site provide information about the people involved and their background?
Contact Information Is a method for contacting the author/company/organization provided?
Dates Does the site have a copyright date or indicate when the site was last updated?
  • If the date is more than a year or two old, the site may not be maintained on a regular basis, or the information may be out of date.
Links Do they all work? If not, the site may not be maintained, and the information may be out of date.
Information
  • Is the information consistent with what you already know?
  • Is the information consistent with other sources (e.g., other web sites, print media, etc.)?
  • Can you identify any bias?
For More Information Visit the following web sites:

How to Write References (Bibliography)

Source

APA Style

MLA Style
Books One author:
Last name, I. (Year of publication).Title of book:
Subtitle. Place of publication: Publisher.
Two authors:
Last name, I., & Last name, I. (Year of publication).
Title of book: Subtitle. Place of publication: Publisher.
 One author:
Last name, First name. Title of Book. Place of
publication: Publisher, Year of publication. Print.
Two authors:
Last name, first name, and first name last name. Title
of Book. Place of publication: Publisher, Year of publication. Print.
Article in a Journal or Magazine Last name, I., Last name, I., & Last name, I. (Year
of publication). Title of article. Name of           Magazine, volume number(issue number), pages.
 Last name, first name. "Title of Article." Title of
Magazine.  Day Month Year: pages. Print.
Article in Encyclopedia Last name, I. (Year of publication). Tilte of article.    
In Name of Encyclopedia, (Vol. number, page numbers). Place of publication: Publisher.
 "Title of Article." Title of Encyclopedia. Edition.
Year of publication.
Article from Online Magazine Last name, I., & Last name, I. (Year of publication).
Title of article. Title of Online Magazine, volume number (issue number, if available). Retrieved from http://rest of url..
 Last name, first name. "Title of Article." Title of
Magazine. Publisher, Day, Month, Year of article. Web. Day, Month, Year retrieved.
Web Site: Last name, I., & Last name, I. (Year of publication).
Title of web site. Retrieved from http:// rest of  url.
 Author name (if available).  Name of Site.  Name of
 institution or organization affiliated with site, date of creation (if available). Web. Day, Month, Year retrieved.

Tips for Internet Safety
For Kids
  • Never share personal information online. This includes your name, birth date, address, town, phone number, the names of teams you are on, schools you attend (dance, martial arts, etc.).
  • Never respond to threatening, obscene, or suggestive emails or messages.
  • Always talk to your parents about anything online that makes you feel uncomfortable or frightened.
  • Never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone you met online.
  • Never download pictures from unknown sources.
  • Remember, people online may not be who they say they are.
For Parents
  • Keep the computer in a common area (like your kitchen), not in the child's bedroom.
  • Bookmark your children's favorite web site.
  • Set rules and limits for computer use, especially for time spent online.
  • Spend time online together to teach your child appropriate online behavior and skills.
  • Forward copies of obscene or threatening content to your Internet Service Provider.
  • Report child pornography online to the National Center of Missing Children, the FBI, and you local police department.
For More Information

For More Information About Information Literacy Visit These Web Sites
Information Literacy
Information Literacy Teaching Model from the Univeristy of Idaho.		 The Partnership for 21st Century Skills
Tools and resources for critical thinking and the use of technology.
Standards for the 21st Century Learner
Created by the the American Association of School Librarians.		 National Educational Technology Standards
From the International Society for Technology in Education.