What Is the Issue? 

Information literacy and computer science and design thinking (CSDT) are interconnected skill sets crucial for student success in college and career environments. Information literacy equips students with the skills to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and effectively use that information. CSDT engages students in computational thinking and human-centered design to develop and apply solutions to real-world problems. The intersections between these disciplines empower students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators capable of ethically producing and critically consuming technology in an increasingly digital world. The rapidly evolving nature of computer science and technology requires students to continuously update their skills and knowledge. Information literacy equips students with the ability to independently locate, evaluate, and learn from resources throughout their academic and professional lives. This practice brief focuses on how educators can leverage the intersections of information literacy and CSDT to cultivate these essential skills in K-12 classrooms. 

Why Does It Matter to You? 

Educators: Understanding the intersections of information literacy and CSDT enables educators to design learning experiences that foster students’ ability to access, analyze, and utilize information to develop computational and/or design solutions. By integrating these skills throughout K-12 instruction, educators prepare students to navigate and innovate in a technology-driven society. 

School Leaders: By recognizing the importance of information literacy and CSDT in student development, school leaders can prioritize the implementation of these skill sets. By providing resources, professional development, and support for the integration of information literacy and CSDT, administrators ensure students develop the competencies needed for success in post-secondary education and careers. 

Things to Consider 

• Information literacy and CSDT share common practices, such as:  
  • Defining problems and formulating questions. 
  • Locating, evaluating, and synthesizing information from diverse sources. 
  • Developing and testing solutions using evidence-based reasoning. 
  • Communicating findings and solutions credibly and ethically to various audiences.  
• The NJSLS-CSDT practices, such as Fostering an Inclusive Computing and Design Culture and Communicating about Computing and Design integrate information literacy skills into CSDT education.  
• Collaborations between educators, school library media specialists and technology specialists can strengthen the integration of information literacy and CSDT.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

• Information literacy and CSDT education empowers students to access, analyze, and incorporate diverse perspectives when developing solutions to complex problems. 
• Equitable access to research tools, technology, and computational resources is essential for all students to develop information literacy and CSDT skills. 

Recommended Actions You Can Take 

• Collaborate with school library media specialists and technology specialists to design cross-curricular learning experiences that integrate information literacy and CSDT. 
• Utilize the NJSLS-CSDT practices to guide the development of learning activities that engage students in computational thinking and design while reinforcing information literacy skills. 
• Provide opportunities for students to engage in real-world problem-solving that requires the application of information literacy and CSDT skills. 
• Model the ethical use of information and technology, emphasizing the importance of evaluating sources, respecting intellectual property, and considering the implications of computational solutions. 

Reflection Questions 

• How can I collaborate with colleagues to integrate information literacy and CSDT skills across content areas? 
• What resources and support do I need to effectively teach and model information literacy and CSDT skills? 
• How can I engage students in authentic problem-solving experiences that develop their information literacy and CSDT competencies? 

Resources for Additional Professional Learning 

• 2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards - Computer Science and Design Thinking 
• ISTE Standards for Students 
• Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy 
• K12 Computer Science Framework