Information literacy - is it new?

So, all this discussion about information literacy, the Google generation, Net Gen etc has me worried about our children.  How will they ever survive the information age??  What can we do to save them?

Before I get myself too worked up though, I have to stop and ask myself...did my parents have the same concerns for me?  Did they worry that television would rot my brain or lead me into a life of sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll?  Did they worry about the new teenage addiction to magazines and the effects of the information they contained?  I suspect that they did worry.

Which leads me to ask the question, is information literacy new?  Most people would say no, but I guess our obsession with it stems from the massive amounts of information coming at us in so many different formats.  Yes, we need to teach our kids about information literacy; they will need it to get by in the world that we live in.  However, I think that we have always taught information literacy...now it just has a fancy name....

Superheroes need supporters

So, it seems from the readings this week that superheroes are helpless without the support of those around them.  Just like Batman needs Robin, TLs need the support of their fellow teaching staff members to provide a truly collaborative learning environment.  However, to teach within an 'integrated curriculum' as described by Montiel-Overall it is essential for the school principal to be involved in the facilitation of a collaborative environment.  Batman needs the police commisioner...TLs need the principal.  Without them,  Gotham City may be plunged into darkness and Lex Luther will have his chance to rule the world. 

Look out Superman...they'll be after you next!!