| Ladder Rungs | Attitude | Skill Level | Concept Grasp | Information Literacy Level
| Performance Level |
|---|
|
Apprehensive User |
Lacks the motivation or refuses to accept the need to continue to learn; avoids or minimizes the use of
information technology (IT); uncomfortable working with IT; lacks confidence when dealing with IT |
Reasonable reading and typing skills; can use email and simple web access. |
General awareness of importance of technology in
society, but little specific knowledge of computers or
how to use them for modeling or information access. |
Little experience information retrieval or evaluation. |
Can follow simple instructions.
|
|---|
|
Passive User |
Recognizes the need to learn, but does not stay current with respect to IT; use of IT is primarily driven by
necessity rather than choice; comfortable using familiar IT, but lacks confidence dealing with unfamiliar IT. |
Can use email, word processing, library catalog and periodical indices; can set up a PC and connect to an
ISP; can use operating system features (E.g. Windows desktop). |
Understand the societal impact and limitations of technology, basically
how computers work, how the internet works, and how information can be stored and retrieved. |
Comfortable with navigating information
structures, but not aware of the need to evaluate sources. |
Open to using technology in the learning process (e.g., on-line tutorials).
|
|---|
|
Active User |
Accepts the challenge to continue to learn; will sometimes choose IT solutions for reasons other than
necessity; generally confident using IT and comfortable learning new IT forms and uses; willing to collaborate with
others to solve problems with IT. | Can use application software which has a good user
interface (e.g. presentation software, spreadsheets, databases); can develop web pages with
editor; can use graphics
packages to create web illustrations as long as no
programming is involved. |
Understands the specifics of how IT is used in one's major discipline and in general how it is used in
other disciplines. |
Can navigate and evaluate information using a variety of sources, formats, and media, and use
it in research and problem solving.
| Can pose and answer research questions via technology.
|
|---|
|
Expert User |
Seeks new learning opportunities; makes deliberate and considered choices regarding the
use of IT and its problem-solving potential; is comfortable with being uncomfortable;
confident in ability to use IT appropriately and to solve problems with IT; willing to mentor others regarding IT
use and solutions. |
high communication skills; able to learn to use a
new piece of software without help; knows how to write
programs in at least one language (e.g. HTML); has mastered the skills needed to use
technology in one's major discipline. |
Thinks about technology on an abstract level; understands the underpinnings of networking,
algorithmic thinking, object-oriented programming, system development. |
meets the standards of information literacy competency for
higher education as established by the Association of
College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and as listed below:
|
Has problem-solving abilities and can think abstractly about technology; can present a workshop relating to
technology
|
|---|
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(1) determine the extent of information needed
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(2) access needed information effectively and efficiently
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(3) evaluate information and its sources critically
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(4) incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
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(5)use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
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(6)understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information,
and access and use information ethically and legally
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