Multimodal Information Literacy in Higher Education: Critical Thinking, Technology, and Technical Skill

Abstract

This chapter addresses technology in education, multimodal texts, and information literacy in a STEM research-focused university setting. Students produce multimodal content in first year composition classes, but composition instructors lack the skills required to teach students multimedia technology. Librarians respond to the needs of the faculty and students they support. Library instruction takes place within the composition class (course-integrated or “one-shot” instruction) or in a multimedia classroom at the library. The librarians bring technical skills as well as a grounding in information literacy, and their instruction increases students' written, sonic, visual and data literacy. As a result, students become more savvy content consumers as well as creators. Final version published in Handbook of Research on Integrating Digital Technology With Literacy Pedagogies, IGI Global, 2020.