Leadership Analysis

Running head: SCHOLARSHIP, PRACTICE, AND LEADERSHIP Scholarship, Practice, and Leadership Essay Cory A. Muhammad University of Phoenix Education and Information Literacy In a US society where information literacy is considered a luxury and not a human right enables intellectual illiteracy limits to be pushed to the max. It’s a nightmare how some can be deceived and taken advantage of or even locked out of opportunities by those who demonstrate the use of information literacy. The desire for current and upcoming generations desiring access to information through text is becoming scarce. Researchers found that current and possible future generations would rather watch videos or tutorials instead of reading information found in text materials. â€Å"Experts suggested that they preferred to view information rather than read it, and so tended to choose information that was graphically represented rather than just text-based† (Venkatraman, 2009, p. 6). Today within the environment of education we are experiencing an increasing need for individuals to take interests in their own learning and exposure to information literacy for a variety of reasons: a) It gives learners the ability to become exposed to higher education and technology b) Enables learners to communicate (using technology) in an educational setting, and c) Prepares students to relate to the various generations of learners. In this essay I will discuss how information literacy relates to the scholar/practitioner/leadership model. Higher Education and Technology Anyone pursuing higher education will have to get use to the ideal of incorporating scholar practice of information literacy. As learners grow stronger in the use of information literacy, we can expose ourselves to higher educational opportunities such as Universities, trade colleges, skill centers, or career enhancement programs. Once an individual can be exposed to the various information located in most libraries all information retrieved completely enhances all researched subjects and allows for more profound subject content. In higher education information literacy plays a major role in the use of technology. Technology is an essential learning tool used amongst students and professionals today. Information illiteracy can lead to the mis-understanding and fear of technology. Information illiteracy can ultimately cause generational gaps in communication as-well. When one generation has not adequately prepared for the trend of another generation (generation X) vs. (Generation Y), this is a clear indication of information illiteracy. The new generation communicates in an integrated way, leveraging the technology that’s available. However libraries and other information providers â€Å"have fundamental problems in adapting†, â€Å"They're not keeping up with the demand of these researchers, who live in the wider internet space,† (Venkatraman, 2009, p. 6). Education and Communication Using Technology Computer literacy, Internet literacy, e-mail functionality, search engine and database li teracy are a few amongst a huge arena of technology functions in our ever changing world we live in. Information literacy allows learners the opportunity to become literate in the world of technology and the use of wonderful tools to gain better performance in processing day to day tasks. The flipside to this same coin is information illiteracy prevents people from knowing about the reality of technology and its benefit. Information literacy ultimately improves the learner’s quality of life as they are being exposed to superior methods of functioning, as well as make themselves marketable from possessing education. â€Å"Most are not even aware of the potential help that is available to them. Libraries, which provide the best access point to information for most U. S. citizens, are left untapped by those who most need help to improve their quality of life† (â€Å"Association of College & Research Libraries,† 1989). Communication Channels to Transcend Generations Information literacy ensures opportunity for open communication channels between different generations of learners, or leadership teams. Adequate communications through information literacy develops leadership amongst the educational atmosphere. The one who has the ability to relate to the various generations can easily emerge from the groups as a leader. Learning and professional environments benefit a great deal when an open line of communications exists between generations incorporating, wisdom, knowledge, desire, energy, and perspective. Information literacy allows for generations to be aware of each others benefit, but also rely on each other for constant innovation and progress. Information illiteracy will only promote detraction from any information or understanding of various generations and a low desire for people to pursue higher education. â€Å"There is a danger of a new elite developing in our country: the information elite† (Venkatraman, 2009, p. 6). Information literacy on the other hand, promotes the desire of individuals to continue to pursuing knowledge, and learning. In conclusion, the articles researched on information literacy revealed the current condition in our country regarding information illiteracy. Grades K-12, secondary, post secondary, graduate and even doctoral learning suffers from information il literacy. Students not engaging in intense research fail to use credible sources that handicap their ability to broaden their knowledge on specific subject matter. Students’ abilities to incorporate diverse forms of information literacy will enhance their educational experience and make it a more lifelong and fulfilling learning experience. By restructuring the learning process learners can develop skills to become practitioners of information literacy. Information literacy helps set up various frameworks for individuals to resolve moral dilemmas. The continued development of information literacy models could provide students and professionals within organizations the relatable life skills required for the scholar/practitioner/leadership model. References: Association of College & Research Libraries. (1989). Presidential Committee on Information Literacy: Final Report. Retrieved from http://news. ala. org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/whitepapers/presidential. cfm#opp. on June 7, 2009. Lauer, S. , & Yodanis, C. (2004, July). The International Social Survey Programme (ISSP): A Tool for Teaching with an International Perspective. Teaching Sociology, 32(3), 304-313. Retrieved June 7, 2009, from SocINDEX with Full Text database. Venkatraman, A. (2009,