英语论文网

Chapter One Introduction

1.1 Research Background
Information and communication technology have advanced enormously in the past fewdecades.The advances in ICT bring about progress in all possible fields. Inconsequence,information is pervasive and pivotal in in our lives.Technological and economicchanges have put a high premium on information literacy defined as the ability to access neededinformation effectively and efficiently; evaluate information and its sources judiciously;incorporate selected information into one ’s knowledge base; apply information effectively toaccomplish a respective purpose; and understand the economic, legal, and social issuessurrounding the use of information (American Library Association, 2000). The United StatesNational Forum on Information Literacy (2012) defined information literacy as ' the ability toknow when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectivelyuse that information for the issue or problem at hand.'With the continuous advancement in technologies these days, individuals are unceasinglysaturated with new information. Information and communications technologies (ICT) arerevolutionizing the face of education universally. With rapidly mounting of (ICT) , teachers ’access to information sources, software had become more economical and convenient. Thiscircumstance put forward that be proficient in information literacy has become pivotal for EFLteachers. An information literate teacher is able to: determine the extent of information needed,access the needed information effectively and efficiently, evaluate information and its sourcescritically, incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base use information effectivelyto accomplish a specific purpose, understand the economic, legal, and social issues surroundingthe use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally(ALA/ACRL, 1989).Information Communication technology has been taking a resounding leap forward. Inin answer to these trends, prominent teacher training programs, organizations had been launchedaiming to promote the enhancement of educators’ information literacy levels .
........

1.2 Significance of the Study
With ever-growing abundance of information brought by developments in technology forproducing, organizing, storing and accessing information, and the increasing importance ofinformation in personal and professional life, there is a need to know when and why information isneeded, where to find it, and how to evaluate, use and communicate it in an ethical manner (CILIP,2004), that is, to be information literate.Information resources are increasingly available online. The sheer increase in the availabilityof electronic resources in schools and classrooms makes it important for teachers to be prepared toeffectively integrate technology into their instructional practices（Kimberly & Pellegrino2007).Flexible delivery requires that English teachers especially those working in vocational collegesdevelop their information literacy level.EFL teachers are faced with abundant and variousinformation choices in their teaching design , in the workplace, and in their lives. And the situationis called information overload, which brings special challenges in special challenges in theevaluation, understanding and use of information. Information literacy is a prerequisite for theirprofessional development and lifelong learning.