Last night, I joined in with my first blog chat, having taken part in Twitter chats before I think I preferred the blog version. The topic was one that I wasn't 100% familiar with, however I found the method of being able to write more and follow the conversation more easily, without the use of hashtags a much easier way of working.
The blog chat was focusing on media and information literacy, which is a revised version of current thinking, a more joined up within, one which will incorporate, in my case more departments were I work. To explain:
"Media and Information Literacy consists of the knowledge, the attitudes, and the sum of the skills needed to know when and what information is needed; where and how to obtain that information; how to evaluate it critically and organise it once it is found; and how to use it in an ethical way. The concept extends beyond communication and information technologies to encompass learning, critical thinking, and interpretative skills across and beyond professional and educational boundaries. Media and Information Literacy includes all types of information resources: oral, print, and digital."
This enhanced and more holistic concept in information literacy can only be seen as a benefit in terms of life long learn, increasing people's chances of getting employment and improving education. However for this to happen a more collaborative approach is needed, bring different parts of society together to create this program, or for myself, different departments. Originally the information literacy program started as a joint venture between academics, blended learning and the library, however since then it has dropped to the library and blended learning team doing our own thing. Which is a shame, maybe this needs to be looked at again, to create a more media and information literacy approach.
At national level, the government need to provide provisions for people to get involved, school curriculum's needs to be changed and have MIL imbedded. As well as a complete culture change, which doesn't come easy.
