In the Age of Misinformation:The Importance of Information Literacy
In the information age, especially in the face of large amounts of information of uncertain veracity, information literacy is the indispensable skill of assessing accurately the credibility of information and thus deciding whether it should be acted upon. The acquisition of this skill, and access to it, are thus crucial to the functioning of democratic institutions within a society. it is crucial that the public's understanding of technology be enhanced and that the use of technology become more transparent. It is the responsibly of higher education, then, to produce digital citizens in general as well as highly trained professionals, such as journalists. Universities must accordingly begin to fulfill this responsibility by designing the appropriate curricula. Through curricular reform, colleges and universities can take the lead in adapting to the changes brought about by technological developments.
Keywords: information literacy, higher education, technology, digital citizens, information access