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Preview for Information Gathering

Information gathering is an important cognitive activity, whether we do it informally, such as reading billboards on the highway, or more systematically, such as gathering information for a science project. A critical role for teachers and educators is in guiding students as they develop and refine their information gathering skills. This lesson will address the following objectives: Develop a broad and deep understanding of information gathering by taking a multi-disciplinary approach Identify the major components of information gathering and how they are linked to knowledge creation Provide an overview of the types of information and information-gathering methods Understand the role of technology and how it can enhance and sometimes transform information gathering activities Generate ideas on how to integrate information gathering into classroom activities and the curriculum Outline: Information Gathering Introduction History and significance of information gathering Role of teachers and educators Four perspectives on information gathering: A multi-disciplinary focus, including instructional technology, library and information science, organization science, and computer science Teleresearch (instructional technology) Information-to-knowledge process and the development of information-seeking skills Harris' six purposes for students to use the Internet in their research activities Information search process (library and information science) Kuhlthau's six stages of the information search process The importance of brainstorming and constructivist thinking Knowledge creation (organization science) Nonaka's four patterns of knowledge conversion Knowledge construction as a social activity Information retrieval (computer science) History of information retrieval Types of search user interfaces Haverkamp and Gauch's research on conceptual retrieval and the construction of thesauri Role of teachers and educators Components of information gathering: identification of eleven components Types of information Qualitative and quantitative information: description and examples of each kind of information Primary and secondary sources Secondary sources as background information, summaries, and overviews Primary sources as information that is the result of direct observation or firsthand testimony Print and electronic information Refers to the information format Most recorded information still available in print only, although more information increasingly available electronically Description and examples of each Information-gathering methods Background information: topical summaries and overviews Interviewing: method for extending information already gathered Surveys: versatile and efficient method for gathering information Observation: information gathering method that relies on activities such as job shadowing, role modeling, and site visits Fieldwork raw data: information-gathering method based on experimentation Existing documentation, forms, and databases: method that relies on re-configuring existing information Review Overview of major components of information gathering Role of teachers and educators

Technology Enriched Learning