Final answer:
Information literacy involves finding, evaluating, organizing, and using information to accomplish specific goals. It includes synthesizing information and applying critical thinking skills like the SIFT method to evaluate sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to find information from appropriate resources, evaluate it, organize it, and use it to achieve a goal is broadly defined as information literacy. This encompasses a variety of skills such as data collection, evaluation of sources, and the synthesis of information. Skilled individuals can conduct research using technology effectively, manage their time well to plan research tasks over extended periods, and critically engage with both primary and secondary sources to compile a coherent understanding of the subject at hand.
For instance, the SIFT method teaches students to stop, investigate the source, find better coverage, and trace claims, promoting critical thinking and fact-checking skills. Additionally, students must learn to distinguish their own ideas from those sourced from other materials, a practice that fosters academic integrity and deep learning. Synthesis, a vital part of research, allows students to integrate different perspectives and form original conclusions, reflecting a higher level of understanding.