Designing Information Literacy Modules for Distance Learners in India

Abstract

Information literacy (IL) emanating from its precursors, library and bibliographic
instruction, enables the individuals understand the nature of information; realize information
need in terms of quantity, quality, type and format; articulate appropriate search expression to
locate it; organize and evaluate the retrieved information for further use in an ethical manner.
Being distanced with the institution and its resources, Distance Learners are shorn of the key
support services i.e., library and information services and bibliographic instruction.
Moreover, availability of wide array of e-resources mystify learners, as they are not
privileged to gain knowledge and equip with the skills necessary for (re)searching on and
retrieving information available across the globe, by harnessing Information and
Communication Technologies.
Information Literacy empowers the Dr. BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU)
learners with the competency necessary “to cope with the complex and changing information
and technological environments and use the information resources effectively”. Designing
and developing Web-enabled modules is preferable to print modules, as reaching multitude of
learners in a flexible and cost-effective manner is feasible. Furthermore, e-modules offer
flexible content management, ensuring the integration of IL modules in varying levels and
formats. This article presents INFOSEEK, the five-faceted Model for imparting Information
Literacy instructions. Also depicts how to integrate ADDIE, an Instructional Design Model to
design and develop online Information Literacy Modules.