Teaching for Information Literacy: Online Professional Development Challenges

Abstract

Awareness of the need for all teachers to be information literate has prompted a proof-of-concept project to create an online resource for use in self-directed study by teacher-librarians and teachers. The resource includes information literacy theories and teaching strategies that are modelled in supporting adult educators and students as learners. The professional development gains for participants, evidence of student learning resulting from teaching for information literacy and factors to be considered in moving from live workshops to online environments for self-directed study are examined. Questions are raised concerning the nature of online in-service education to promote information literacy. Implications for teacher-librarians as collaborators and information leaders are discussed.