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Katherine Olston

This Specialization is aimed at preparing students for undergraduate study in an English-speaking university. The course equips you for full participation and engagement with your studies by building awareness and understanding of the core values and expectations of academic culture, and providing you with practical strategies to apply to your studies. In this course, you will learn how to develop your Information & Digital Literacy Skills to help you achieve success in your university studies. After completing this course, you will be able to:

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This Specialization is aimed at preparing students for undergraduate study in an English-speaking university. The course equips you for full participation and engagement with your studies by building awareness and understanding of the core values and expectations of academic culture, and providing you with practical strategies to apply to your studies. In this course, you will learn how to develop your Information & Digital Literacy Skills to help you achieve success in your university studies. After completing this course, you will be able to:

1. Access and search for information efficiently and effectively using a variety of digital tools.

2. Critically evaluate the reliability of sources for an academic context.

3. Filter, manage and organize information from a wide variety of sources for use in academic study.

4. Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues related to academic integrity surrounding the access and use of information.

5. Understand how to use digital tools for referencing and attribution in order to avoid plagiarism.

6. Understand how to disseminate and communicate information in a professional way, including managing digital identity and building networks for learning and research.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Information & Digital Literacy at University
After this module you will be able to (1). Understand the structure and expectations of the course (2). Understand expectations about information and digital literacy within academic culture (3). Articulate the skills & dispositions needed to function effectively in the digital space (4). Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues related to academic integrity surrounding the access and use of information
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Defining, Accessing & Searching for Information
After this module you will be able to (1). Define the characteristics of different kinds of information (2). Know where to look for information from various sources (3). Develop a search strategy and filter large numbers of search results effectively (4). Document and evaluate your search strategy
Critically Evaluating, Filtering & Managing Information
After this module you will be able to (1). Apply criteria to critically evaluate the reliability of sources for an academic context (2). Identify the factors that make a web resource reliable (3). Filter information effectively (4). Use file-naming conventions and appropriate software to effectively organize and store information
Referencing, Incorporating Sources & Avoiding Plagiarism
After this module you will be able to (1). Understand the consequences of plagiarism in the academic context (2). Use referencing conventions to appropriately cite a variety of information sources and avoid plagiarism (3). Understand how to incorportate ideas from sources into your work (4). Be familiar with different referencing software and evaluate it for your own purposes
Disseminating & Communicating Information
After this module you will be able to (1). Understand new forms of licensing for online content (2). Communicate effectively in different digital modes (3). Manage digital identity across different domains (4). Use digital networks to manage and advance learning
Summative Assessment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Emphasizes ethical use of information in academia
Suitable for students preparing for university study in an English-speaking context
Builds essential skills for navigating and utilizing digital resources in higher education
Provides strategies for managing, organizing, and referencing information
Covers topics relevant to academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism
May require additional software and resources that learners need to purchase

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Reviews summary

University success: digital literacy

Learners say that this Information & Digital Literacy for University Success course is largely positive, packed with engaging assignments that help learners develop skills for university success. The course covers searching for information, using it, and evaluating sources. Students especially praise the instructors and the quality of course materials. Be aware, there have been some reported errors in quizzes and occasional unfair peer assessments, but overall, students report that the course helps them feel more prepared for university.
High quality and engaging
"Amazing course, good quality materials, professional looks and aesthetics, perfect time-table and week-wise distribution of course. Great assignment to explore learnt skills."
"This course providing many knowledge and skills necessary for me.I improve a lot about thinking and choose some method useful with my major.Thank you who make this course."
Learners feel prepared for university
"This course is very useful for me because it gives me many skills and information at University"
"That's great. It's help me improve my skills in university and teach new knowledges"
Instructors are praised for expertise
"A very good professional course.Thank you very much . "
"I feel the course has a lot of interesting and useful things for me."
Packed with lessons for university success
"this courses very useful, I've learned a lot of things."
"Helped me a lot in knowing what to do with information."
Unfair or biased peer assessments
"The course offered by the University of Sydney is incredible! ... At the end of the course, when it was necessary to wait for the marks that the colleagues in the course would give to your work, unfair and unjustified evaluations were made"
Errors in quizzes reported
"The course was good but not my cup of tea"
"Very good but you guys have a lot of errors. "

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Information & Digital Literacy for University Success with these activities:
Revisit logic concepts
Sharpen your logical thinking abilities to better grasp the course's foundational concepts.
Browse courses on Logic
Show steps
  • Review propositional and predicate logic
  • Practice applying logical rules and techniques
Read 'Bird by Bird' by Anne Lamott
Improve your writing style and gain insights into the creative process, both crucial skills for academic success.
View Somehow on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and reflect on Lamott's writing techniques
  • Apply her strategies to your own writing
Practice Information Literacy Skills
Sharpen your information literacy skills through regular practice to better navigate the vast amount of information available online.
Show steps
  • Use a search engine effectively to find relevant information.
  • Evaluate the credibility of online sources using criteria such as authority, currency, and relevance.
  • Filter and organize information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive understanding.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Explore Online Resources for Academic Writing
Enhance your academic writing skills by seeking out tutorials that provide guidance on structure, style, and referencing.
Show steps
  • Identify reliable online resources that offer tutorials on academic writing.
  • Follow step-by-step instructions to improve your writing skills.
  • Practice writing different types of academic texts, such as essays and research papers.
Solve practice problems on information retrieval and evaluation
Enhance your ability to find and assess information effectively, a skill essential for academic research.
Browse courses on Information Retrieval
Show steps
  • Identify different types of information sources
  • Develop effective search queries
  • Evaluate the credibility and relevance of sources
  • Practice synthesizing information from multiple sources
Collaborate on a group project
Develop teamwork and communication skills while applying course concepts to a practical project.
Browse courses on Group Work
Show steps
  • Form a study group and assign roles
  • Brainstorm and develop a project idea
  • Conduct research and gather information
  • Create and present the project
Write a research proposal
Gain hands-on experience in developing a research project, a valuable skill for future academic endeavors.
Browse courses on Research Methodology
Show steps
  • Identify a research topic and develop a hypothesis
  • Review relevant literature and conduct a literature review
  • Design a research methodology
  • Write a research proposal
Assist at a university writing center
Enhance your writing and communication skills while gaining valuable experience helping others.
Browse courses on Writing Skills
Show steps
  • Apply to volunteer at a writing center
  • Assist students with writing assignments and provide feedback
  • Attend workshops and training sessions

Career center

Learners who complete Information & Digital Literacy for University Success will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Information Architect
An Information Architect is responsible for the design and organization of information systems. This involves working with a team of information professionals to ensure that information is easy to find and use. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Academic Librarian
An Academic Librarian helps professors, researchers, and students with their research. They work in a variety of academic settings helping people find sources and contextualizing information. This course can help you to become an Academic Librarian because it will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to communicate information in a professional way.
Information Officer
An Information Officer is responsible for managing an organization's information resources. This involves developing and implementing information policies and procedures, as well as providing information services to employees and customers. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Knowledge Manager
A Knowledge Manager is responsible for managing an organization's knowledge assets. This involves identifying, capturing, and sharing knowledge within the organization. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Records Manager
A Records Manager is responsible for managing an organization's records. This involves developing and implementing records policies and procedures, as well as providing records management services to employees and customers. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Digital Asset Manager
A Digital Asset Manager is responsible for managing an organization's digital assets, including images, videos, and documents. This involves organizing and cataloging assets, as well as ensuring that they are accessible to authorized users. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Museum curator
A Museum Curator is responsible for managing and preserving a museum's collection of artifacts. This involves working with a team of museum staff to develop and implement museum policies and procedures, as well as providing educational programs to museum visitors. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Archivist
An Archivist is responsible for preserving and making available a library's or museum's historical documents and artifacts. This includes organizing and cataloging documents, as well as providing access to researchers and the public. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Librarian
A Librarian is responsible for managing and providing access to a library's collection of books, journals, and other resources. This involves working with a team of library staff to develop and implement library policies and procedures, as well as providing reference and research services to library patrons. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Taxonomist
A Taxonomist is responsible for classifying and organizing living things. This involves working with a team of scientists to develop and implement taxonomic systems. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Research Analyst
A Research Analyst is responsible for conducting research and analyzing data to provide insights to businesses and organizations. This information is used to make decisions about product development, marketing, and sales. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to conduct research and analyze data.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for the design, maintenance, and performance of an organization's databases. This involves working with a team of database developers and other IT professionals to ensure that the organization's data is secure and accessible. This course can help you to become a Database Administrator because it will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to manage digital identity and build networks for learning and research.
Information Security Analyst
An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's information systems from unauthorized access and attack. This involves working with a team of security professionals to identify and mitigate security risks. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to detect and prevent security breaches.
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher is responsible for collecting and analyzing data about consumer behavior. This information is used by businesses to make decisions about product development, marketing, and sales. This course will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to conduct surveys and analyze data.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for writing and editing technical documents, such as user manuals, white papers, and training materials. This involves working with a team of engineers and other technical professionals to ensure that the documents are accurate and easy to understand. This course may be useful because it will provide you with the skills you need to access, evaluate, and organize information. You will also learn how to use digital tools to write and edit technical documents.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Information & Digital Literacy for University Success.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital literacy and how to use digital media and communication effectively. It covers topics such as how to use social media, create digital content, and navigate the internet.
Provides a practical guide to research methods for librarians. It covers topics such as how to design a research study, collect data, and analyze results.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the digital humanities. It covers topics such as digital text analysis, digital mapping, and digital preservation.
Provides a concise guide to information literacy for students. It covers topics such as how to find and evaluate information, use digital tools, and avoid plagiarism.
Provides a history of the digital information revolution. It covers topics such as the development of the computer, the internet, and the World Wide Web.
Provides a practical guide to information literacy for lifelong learners. It covers topics such as how to find and use information, and how to stay up-to-date on current events.

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