Critical Information Literacy Training Course

Introduction

Empower individuals to become discerning and engaged information consumers with our comprehensive Critical Information Literacy Training Course. This program moves beyond basic information retrieval, equipping participants with the analytical skills and reflective practices necessary to critically evaluate information sources, understand the social, political, and economic contexts shaping information production and dissemination, and use information ethically and responsibly. Mastering critical information literacy is increasingly vital in a world saturated with diverse perspectives, potential biases, and complex information ecosystems. Our critical information literacy training course offers in-depth exploration and practical application of advanced information evaluation and use skills.

This Critical Information Literacy training delves into key areas such as analyzing power dynamics in information creation, understanding the impact of media ownership, deconstructing ideological frameworks within information, evaluating information for bias and perspective, engaging with diverse and conflicting viewpoints, understanding the ethical implications of information use and sharing, and developing strategies for information advocacy and social justice. You will gain expertise in moving beyond surface-level evaluation to deeply interrogate information sources, understand the systemic influences on information, and become a more thoughtful and engaged participant in the information society. Whether you are a student, educator, librarian, researcher, or any individual seeking to develop advanced information literacy skills, this Critical Information Literacy course will provide you with essential tools for navigating and contributing to a more just and informed world.

Target Audience:

• Students (Higher Education)
• Educators
• Librarians
• Researchers
• Activists
• Journalists
• Anyone seeking advanced information literacy skills

Course Objectives:

• Understand the theoretical frameworks underpinning critical information literacy.
• Analyze the power dynamics inherent in information creation and dissemination.
• Critically evaluate the influence of media ownership on information content.
• Deconstruct ideological frameworks embedded within information sources.
• Assess information for bias, perspective, and underlying assumptions.
• Engage thoughtfully with diverse and conflicting viewpoints.
• Understand the ethical implications of information access, use, and sharing.

DURATION

5 Days

Course Content:

Module 1: Foundations of Critical Information Literacy

• Understanding the theoretical frameworks underpinning critical information literacy.
• Exploring the difference between basic and critical information literacy.
• Examining the social, political, and economic dimensions of information.
• Understanding the role of critical thinking in information engagement.
• Best practices for developing a critically informed approach to information.

Module 2: Power and Information Creation

• Analyzing the power dynamics inherent in information creation and dissemination.
• Examining how power structures influence whose voices are heard and whose are marginalized.
• Understanding the role of gatekeepers in shaping information access.
• Critically evaluating the impact of funding and institutional affiliations on information.
• Best practices for identifying and analyzing power dynamics in information contexts.

Module 3: Media Ownership and Its Influence

• Critically evaluating the influence of media ownership on information content.
• Understanding different models of media ownership and their potential biases.
• Analyzing how corporate interests can shape news and information narratives.
• Examining the impact of media consolidation on diversity of perspectives.
• Best practices for considering media ownership when evaluating information.

Module 4: Deconstructing Ideological Frameworks

• Deconstructing ideological frameworks embedded within information sources.
• Understanding how ideologies shape perspectives and interpretations.
• Identifying underlying assumptions and worldviews within information.
• Analyzing the language and framing used to promote specific ideologies.
• Best practices for recognizing and analyzing ideological influences on information.

Module 5: Assessing Bias and Perspective

• Assessing information for bias, perspective, and underlying assumptions.
• Understanding different types of bias (e.g., confirmation bias, selection bias).
• Identifying authorial perspective and its potential influence.
• Analyzing how framing and language can reveal underlying assumptions.
• Best practices for critically evaluating information for bias and perspective.

Module 6: Engaging with Diverse and Conflicting Viewpoints

• Engaging thoughtfully with diverse and conflicting viewpoints.
• Understanding the importance of considering multiple perspectives.
• Developing strategies for respectful and productive engagement with differing opinions.
• Analyzing the evidence and reasoning behind different viewpoints.
• Best practices for fostering intellectual humility and open-mindedness in information engagement.

Module 7: Ethics of Information Access, Use, and Sharing

• Understanding the ethical implications of information access, use, and sharing.
• Examining issues of copyright, intellectual property, and plagiarism.
• Understanding the ethical responsibilities of information creators and consumers.
• Promoting responsible information sharing and digital citizenship.
• Best practices for ethical engagement with information in a networked world.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.