Critical Thinking in the Context of Information Literacy and Information Systems: The LIS Online Class

This reflective position paper addresses the importance of interpersonal communication and critical thinking in online teaching in the discipline of Library and Information Science. It acknowledges that an important element of information literacy engages the individual student's relationship with their instructor as well as one another. A critical thinking community is created in the online classroom through student led discussion. Cooperative learning is further engaged through group projects. How well the qualitative and professional aspects of reflection and critical thinking can be learned in this community are in turn aspects of information literacy. As Sherry R. Crow(1) wrote, "Lifelong learners are people who display an attitude and ability that prompts them to learn across their life spans". The development of attitude and ability generates a positive disposition toward learning the knowledge base of LIS. It is clear that social context affects a student's motivational locus and can be used as an educational prompt. Cooperative types of learning projects develop leadership and conflict resolution skills and are intended to achieve the betterment of the library professional.