Final answer:
Information literacy is taught to cultivate critical evaluation skills for academic and civic engagement, aiding in discerning trustworthy information in an era of misinformation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Time is spent in class learning about information literacy because it is essential for academic success and responsible citizenship in today's information-rich society. Through the study of information literacy, students learn to critically evaluate information sources for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. This skill is crucial, especially when dealing with information online, where misinformation can often appear legitimate. Engaging with educational resources like the SIFT Method helps students become more discerning consumers and producers of information. This is also impactful in literature classes where a deep understanding of texts is built through interaction with varied information sources. Furthermore, knowing how to leverage information literacy in discussions and critical thinking enhances the overall learning experience, making it more engaging and meaningful.