The four resources I will discuss are the IMVAIN analysis for evaluating sources, the Cornell University Digital Literacy Resource website, the Google Search Education website, and the Common Sense education website. I found all the tools listed by starting with a broad google search of tools for information literacy, then skimmed the results to construct a broad and general idea on what tools are available and what methods are mentioned frequently. Then I searched for specific tools for skills under the information literacy umbrella. After skimming several resources, I chose the ones that looked most credible and evaluated them using components from the CRAAP test.

The IMVAIN method described in the article “Teaching Information Literacy Now” published on the School Library Journal website and frequently mentioned on sites that focus on information literacy is, like the CRAAP test, used for evaluating sources. The IMVAIN analysis evaluates the source using the following questions.

§ Is the material Independent or self-interested?

§ Does it have Multiple sources or only one?

§ Does it Verify, or assert?

§ Is it Authoritative/Informed vs. uninformed?

§ Are sources Named or unnamed?

This tool helps students learn and practice research and library skills. It provides students with specific tools to help them evaluate the overall credibility of a source. The method is also a way to provide a basis or introduction into lessons on critical literacy. After students evaluate the source they can begin to closely analyze the author’s language and attitude toward a topic. The source does not address media literacy specifically or information ethics. Although it is not a complete source for all information literacy skills, it is a reliable and simple tool for students to use as they begin to practice finding sources for research projects and presentations.

The Cornell University Digital Literacy Resource website is a resource for helping students practice research and library skills, information ethics and critical literacy skills. The website is useful for teaching research and library skills because it helps students find and analyze sources by breaking down the research process into standard google searches, advance google searches and scholarly databases. The website also provides information on citing sources, plagiarism and copyright law and provides links to other resources that describe topics in greater detail. While students engage in research they are also practicing critical literacy because they are evaluating the author’s perspective and motivation for writing. This website does not address media literacy skills, but is still worth using because the skills that it does address are discussed in depth and in an easy to understand format.

Google Search Education is aimed at helping students become critical thinkers through developing their research skills. The website provides lesson plans, activities and trainings for teachers. It provides students with online self-paced search lessons and guided and focused activities through Google A Day challenges where students are tasked with finding information to answer a specific question on a topic. Google Search Education promotes research and library skills. It’s a thorough resource for teaching basic research skills; lesson plans include learning how to choose search terms, understanding search results, narrowing the search and searching for evidence. It also has a lesson on evaluating the credibility based on tone, style, audience and purpose. The criteria for evaluating sources helps students practice critical literacy skills. Skills for evaluating media were not embedded in this resource however it is still an appropriate resource because it lays a strong foundation for future research skills and provides daily exercises to help students practice their skills.

Common Sense Education website is a resources for parents, educators and students that aims to help students develop media and technology skills. The resource fits under media literacy and information ethics. Some of the resources provided include reviews of educational technology, information on news and media literacy, professional development, interactive games for teaching digital citizenship and research on how technology affects students and learning. The lesson plans featured on the site integrate technology with best teaching practices and some lessons promote critical reading, critical thinking and research skills.

Exploring these tools broadened my thinking and understanding about how to teach information literacy skills. I realized that the four branches are best taught through activities that incorporate all of them together so students can have an authentic experience. In our everyday lives, we often use these skills together to make sense of the information and messages around us. As a librarian, it will be equally important to help students build the skills necessary to engage with the wealth of information available today as it is to foster a love of reading. Exploring these tools will transform learning because students will have opportunities to integrate content knowledge and information literacy to deepen their understanding and connect ideas to the world outside the classroom.