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E-learning on Information Literacy for NTU students Nanyang Technological University (NTU) featured an e-learning module called “Information Literacy for Educators” for its recent intake of students in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) course. Developed by NLB Academy, this course was offered to the students to undertake at their own time from 16 February to 15 May 2008.“Information Literacy for Educators” was specially developed to help educators understand Information Literacy (IL) and how to impart the essential skills to students to enable them to be savvy information seekers, critical thinkers and ethical users of information, all of which are important attributes in this knowledge-based economy. 
Ong Bee Chai Q. Why is IL important? Ong: It is important to be able to identify information needs, locate relevant sources of information, evaluate and use information properly, efficiently and effectively to solve the many problems we come across in our work and study. Kwek: You know where to source for the right info most efficiently. Tay: IL is really important because information is power! But as Spiderman once said, with power comes great responsibility. IL teaches us to be responsible for our learning and decision-making. It empowers us to locate, access and evaluate sources of information and apply it in every aspect of our life, from something as simple as buying groceries in the supermarket to choosing the right Masters course. Q. How does e-learning compare with the traditional classroom learning? Tay: As an IL practitioner, we should practice what we preach and experience learning IL in a module which involves ICT. E-learning engages the visual, audio and kinesthetic senses, whereas most of the time, traditional classroom learning only engages one or two of our senses. It can be fast-paced for the modules that we are already proficient in, and in areas needing more time, we can always go through the whole course again. In a classroom, you can’t get the lecturer to “rewind” the whole part just for you, as there is time constraint and other course mates around. You can almost say an e-learning course is customised to a certain extent for the learner. We were all quite happy when we were told there is an e-learning module because we don’t have to be physically at the school and we can also revise easily before the test. E-learning allows us to learn at our own pace and at a most suitable time. Ong: E-learning saves time! There’s no need to travel to take the course. And there’s flexibility to set my own pace as well. Although there is no interaction between e-learners as per classroom style where we can learn from each other, e-learning makes use of visuals and animation to explain certain concepts, which is not possible with classroom learning. Kwek: Although at times, there was no one to clarify with if you have doubts and that there is potential system downtime, it’s convenient and great to learn at your own pace! Q. What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking up e-learning? Tay: To gain from the e-learning course, take it up with an attitude to learn and not as a short cut to skipping school. And find a place with the least distractions. Sometimes being too comfortable with our surroundings, eg, home is a form of distraction. There’s more conscious effort and better concentration involved when you go to school. So I would recommend this depending on the age group, perhaps not so much for the younger ages as they have shorter attention span, less discipline and need more personalised tuition; a combination of both traditional face-to-face learning and e-learning would probably be best for them. For adults, it’s ok. Ong: You need to be disciplined and focused, and find a conductive environment. Kwek: (chuckles) Check and make sure your computer is working fine. But seriously, a quiet environment is helpful. 
Grace Tay Tay: I’m considering putting up a mini e-learning module on IL for my students when resuming teaching after the course. Q. Any interesting anecdotes to share? Tay: My daughter says, “I wish you could study and e-learn at home everyday!” So do I!
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