Computerized Reading (Problem Solving-Reading for Information)

“The rapid and prolific introduction of electronic resources poses new challenges for academic reference desks. To help meet these challenges, new ways of looking at the reference process may help.”

(Quoted from Janet R. Cottrell and Michael B. Eisenberg; “Applying an Information Problem Solving Model to Academic Reference Work: Findings and Implications”)

<http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crljournal/backissues2001b/july01/cottrell.pdf>

This online text explains computerized reading on problem solving through reading for information thoroughly. It is a relevant text because it focuses on searching for academic references which fits the purpose of this course; to teach how information technology aid in the learning process.

Problem solving (Reading for Information) is done almost on a daily basis for people of all ages. It is essential to students especially in full filling their task to complete their assignments. Knowing their way on how to read for information to solve a problem is highly useful.

The online text mentioned before shows a study of the six steps students perform research:

1. Initiation: Student receives assignment.
2. Selection: Student selects general topic area.
3. Exploration: Student explores material on general topic.
4. Formulation: Student focuses on more specific topic.
5. Collection: Student collects materials on focused topic.
6. Presentation: Student prepares and presents finished assignment.

(Notice that a big part of the process requires reading for information in order to find answers.)

We took a different approach for this 1^st blog posting assignment by conducting activities to read for information first before we refer to the online text we found for detailed explanations on reading for information. We came up with a few topics that we would love to gain more information about and carry out the activity in the usual ways we always do research through the net to find for answers. Only to find out how similar the steps we have taken are to the six steps mentioned in the article. We started off with the ‘pre-focus’ steps by browsing for the topic and to see the material that the net has to provide us. We then take the ‘semi-focus’ step and choose the most relevant one out of all the listed topics by referring to the background information provided for each topic. It is at the ‘post-focus’ stage where we finally gather specific information that answers to our question directly.

However, we were introduced to ‘Eisenberg-Berkowitz Model’ through the online text by Janet R. Cottrell and Michael B. Eisenberg; “Applying an Information Problem Solving Model to Academic Reference Work: Findings and Implications”.

Eisenberg-Berkowitz Model

Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz describe a six-stage model of Information Problem-Solving (IPS) in a more detailed level. The model includes six stages in the information problem-solving process:

1. Task Definition

1.1 Define the problem.

1.2 Identify the information requirements of the problem.

2. Information-seeking Strategies

2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm).

2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities.

3. Location and Access

3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically).

3.2 Find information within sources.

4. Use of Information

4.1 Engage (read, see, hear) the information in a source.

4.2 Extract relevant information from a source.

5. Synthesis

5.1 Organize information from multiple sources.

5.2 Present information.

6. Evaluation

6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness).

6.2 Judge the information problem solving process (efficiency).

We conducted our activity once more on reading for information based on this model and realized that it is a much more systematic and efficient way of computerized reading for information. We were well guided throughout the process until we've reached the exact information we need that answer to our topic. Besides that, we manage to deal with problems that often occur in the process of finding information through the net such as; the high proportion of sources, mixture of many irrelevant and unreliable sources that impede the information-seeking process. Our experience with implementing this model simply asserts that a systematic, problem-solving process should be used with making any decision that is based on information. Before we applied this model in our activity, we find ourselves wasting much time browsing through the net and only to gain little useful information in the end. The whole point of reading for information will defeat its purpose if you fail to attain the information that you want or need in the first place, therefore, it is important to read for information systematically.

Eisenberg-Berkowitz Model ‘has been widely adopted in education circles’.

“As more and more colleges and universities develop information literacy competencies, academic librarians also are becoming familiar with its potential”

(Janet R. Cottrell and Michael B. Eisenberg; “Applying an Information Problem Solving Model to Academic Reference Work: Findings and Implications”)

Other available online text for reference:

Computer Skills for Information Problem-Solving: Learning and Teaching Technology in Context. ERIC Digest. <http://www.ericdigests.org/1996-4/skills.htm>

Me and my partner, Sim Ming Quan, for this posting.