Mark J. Roquet

A Critical Approach to Information and Digital Literacy Instruction

California Library Association Annual Conference, October 2019

There is increasing demand for information, digital, and media literacy instruction in school and public libraries. What if we took our instruction beyond rules (do this, don’t do that) and instead helped our community critically investigate the technology and information landscape around them? What if we worked to build the skill set that young adults will need to address major social, economic, and political issues around information and technology? The Seven Hills School recently launched a required course that integrates information literacy, digital citizenship, and technology skills, with a larger goal of empowering students to think critically about technology and build capacity for change. Topics include big data, the sharing economy, and equity issues in the tech industry. Join us to hear about this approach and discuss ways to apply a critical lens to your own library instruction.