Explain your understanding of information literacy. Choose three example concepts or skills from Module 1 of your course textbook

Explain your understanding of information literacy. Choose three example concepts or
skills from Module 1 of your course textbook and explain how these concepts illustrate
your understanding. Be sure to cite your course textbook.
Information literacy alludes to the ability of an individual to identify a need for
information and locate the information successfully. It also refers to the ability to evaluate
and use the information obtained (Von Winckelmann, 2015). Obtaining and evaluating
information relates to problem solving and acquisition of knowledge. It is a critical skill that
is important in all spheres of life. Among the important skills that relate to information,
literacy is problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking. Critical thinking ensures
that one applies various skills to determine the value of information. The skills include
inference, analysis, evaluation, interpretation, explanation, and self-regulation. When
evaluating the accuracy and fairness of a source, one must employ critical thinking skills. The
skills also ensure that one is able to determine fact or fiction (Von Winckelmann, 2015).
When one engages in critical thinking, they remain skeptical and carefully analyze arguments
before taking a stand. Critical thinking also requires one to use facts to determine whether or
not one achieves an accurate conclusion or hypothesis (Von Winckelmann, 2015). In
addition, the skill of analysis mandates one to examine pieces of information in parts and as a
whole to define the intended meaning.
Creative thinking is the skill of coming up with valid ideas by the use of imagination.
A creative thinker must keep an open mind as they explore a range of possibilities. It also
means that one must always “think outside the box” (Von Winckelmann, 2015). Barriers and
limitations should be avoided when thinking critically. Creative thinkers are innovators, and
thinking without limitations ensures that they are able to come up with creative solutions.
Creative thinking helps one to imagine and generate ideas.

Problem-solving allows one to look at a problem and come up with solutions.
Problem-solving requires one to understand the problem and come up with different ways of
solving the problem (Von Winckelmann, 2015). One then proceeds to select the best solution
based on the desired outcome. Information literacy gives one problem-solving skill that also
ensures that they are able to find information that can help them solve the problems they may
encounter.
Explain how these concepts apply to you as a college student. Why do students need to
learn information literacy?
As a student, one requires critical thinking to evaluate information in a rational and
clear way. Students encounter various problems in the learning process. Through critical
thinking skills, one is able to solve problems in an efficient manner (Von Winckelmann,
2015). When taking various assignments, one needs critical thinking skills to evaluate
information that they obtain. One needs critical thinking skills to evaluate the fairness and
accuracy of sources. In addition, critical thinking helps one to determine facts and fiction.
Creative thinking ensures that a learner is able to “think outside the box” and get solutions to
various problems. Problem-solving helps students to brainstorm and generate various
solutions to problems that they may encounter.
Explain why these concepts apply to your personal or professional life and how you will
apply them.
Critical thinking in the professional life ensures that one makes informed decisions. It
also helps one to make wise decisions in all spheres of life. Through critical thinking, one is
able to analyze information and make well-informed opinions. A critical thinker is an
individual who remains curious and is willing to analyze facts in order to form a proper
judgment. In everyone’s personal life, they encounter various problems. These problems can

only be solved by embracing creativity. Creative thinking ensures that one comes up with a
creative solution that works around obstacles. Creative thinking helps one to see obstacles as
opportunities. Further, problem-solving skills ensure that one brainstorms and evaluates the
viability of various solutions in solving a problem.
References

Von Winckelmann, S. (2015). Information literacy in the digital age [Electronic version].
Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/