Information Obesity

Andrew Whitworth (Author)

9781843344490, Elsevier Science

Paperback / softback, published 28 February 2009

252 pages
23.3 x 15.6 x 1.7 cm, 0.38 kg

"This is a very good title…the book is recommended and it is, as a matter of fact, a good read that will challenge one’s opinions and reflections." --Journal of Librarianship and Information Science"An interesting and stimulating book…the flow and structure work well in guiding the reader through some complex and demanding material in a clear, coherent and logical manner." --Journal of Information Literacy

An exploration of information literacy and ICT skills education from the point of view of social and political theory. The author incorporates theories to argue why the idea of information literacy is so important in the 21st century, and also to develop teaching strategies to this end. The book argues that only through expanding the range of information literacy education taking it beyond just formal school and university education and into homes, friendship networks and workplaces can we construct an effective educational response to information technology in the 21st century. Information literacy includes, but transcends, ICT skills and ultimately is about being politically, socially and communicatively competent in an information society.

Part 1 Information and technology in the world: Information as a resource
Valuing information
The shaping of information and technology. Part 2 The impact of information technology: A brief history of ICT
Literacy and counter knowledge
Computer and information literacy. Part 3 Critical theory: Critical social science
The colonisation of the life world
How organisations affect the way we think. Part 4 Combating information obesity: Information obesity and romantic understanding
From problem-based learning to transformative learning
Connecting learners and teachers to the community
Three examples.

Subject Areas: Education [JN], Library & information sciences [GL]