Digital information fluency (DIF)

[Karen Bonanno]

The term, digital information fluency (DIF), has appeared on the radar and I'm not quite sure I'm comfortable with some of the definitions. George Lorenzo , in his article, Catalysts for change: Information fluency, Web 2.0, Library 2.0 and the new education culture defines the term as the 'acquisition of three primary skills: basic information technology skills (including computer literacy); information literacy skills, and critical thinking skills'.

Then, the 21st Century Information Fluency site states, 'Digital Information Fluency (DIF) is the ability to find, evaluate and use digital information effectively, efficiently and ethically'.

[Bronwyn Hughes]

This is not a term I have encountered. I am going to look into this for my own study purposes. What is it that makes you uncomfortable? By the way thanks for pointing me in this direction, I have found some good material.

[Karen Bonanno]

Hi Bronwyn...apologies for a late comment. What makes me feel uncomfortable is the definition of the term for DIF, as presented by Lorenzo, needs unpacking.

Just take the reference to "information literacy skills" as an example. Now, this is my viewpoint only. I get concerned with I see the terms information literacy and skills combined. I actually see the use of the information skills models/frameworks as a vehicle to becoming information literate. I see them as two separate entities that are interconnected when information seeking happens. The seeker of information engages the elements of an information skills model (not in a linear fashion, but needing to go backwards and forwards) to activate processes of learning to develop deeper knowledge and understanding. In so doing, I also believe we are always in a "state of being information literate". For me, the more I find out the more I consider I need to know and so the cycle continues.

Take a look at the Wikipedia entry for information literacy.....interesting reading.