STEP 2: IDENTIFY RESOURCES

      RESOURCE BASED LEARNING

Resource based learning as a teaching method implies access to a wide variety of resources so that students may refine their information literacy skills as they pursue answers to their questions. Given such wide access to resources, it is important that students heed the requirements and parameters set for the assignment.  It also means that students will require guidance from both the teacher and information technology specialist while learning about the wide range of resources available to them, including learning to access information in less conventional formats.  Challenging students  to try and find answers to a question using several sources will help them see for themselves the advantage of consulting multiple sources, as well as give meaning and depth to the research process. Opportunities for students to utilize more than one source should therefore be included in the research process by teachers during the planning phase of the assignment. Teachers and information specialists can assist students in acquiring the necessary information literacy skills by teaching them how to use subject directories such as electronic catalogs to identify suitable resources.

ACCURACY AND BIAS

Information is not always accurate, and it may contain bias. It is important therefore that students be taught that not all information is equal, and that information should therefore always be cross-checked. The evaluation of web based resources is of particular importance in this respect.