Information Literacy
The Quick Facts
- The Information Literacy Assessment is a 0 credit online course in Moodle: GRS-0222 VTC Information Literacy.
- Students may register for the course just like any other course.
- The registrar initially adds all incoming students who do not already have a bachelor's degree or who have not taken the assessment at another VSC college.
- It does not affect GPA or appear on official transcripts.
- The quiz is a 28 question multiple choice quiz on basic research skills. Students need to score a 20 for the Associate's program or 25 for the Baccalaureate program correct in order to pass. Scores are available immediately, but it will not appear in on a student's record until the scores are turned in at the end of the semester.
- In the course, all one needs to do is click on the "take the test" menu item. There are practice quizzes available in the course as well as the TILT tutorial. The TILT tutorial reviews what you need to know to successfully take the Information literacy test (GR0222).
- The test can be retaken if necessary.
- If you have any questions, please contact the library at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
What is a Graduation Standard?
The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees has instituted graduation standards for all Associates and Bachelors degree candidates. The object of these standards is to provide assurance that VSC graduates have certain essential skills for success in the workplace and in life in general. These standards are now being phased in.
What is the Information Literacy standard?
At the Vermont State Colleges, it means that upon graduation students will be able to:
- Define a research topic and the information needed.
- Understand the process for stating a research question.
- Differentiate between types and depth of information sources.
- Understand the limitations of information availability.
- Define information producers, providers, and formats of information required for a topic.
- Use a variety of traditional and electronic resources to collect and organize that information.
- Select appropriate resources (experts, printed, online) to navigate the information environment.
- Formulate a research strategy.
- Use a variety of techniques to search catalogs, indexes, and full-text databases.
- Record and synthesize results of search as evidenced in written work.
- Evaluate the information and its sources critically.
- Identify the purpose for which the information was produced and its intended audience.
- Investigate qualifications and reputation of authors and publishers. Verify information.
- Locate and examine critical reviews of information sources.
- Recognize cultural, physical, temporal, or other contexts within which information was created, and consider those contexts in evaluation of sources.
- Acknowledge and document the sources needed.
- Differentiate between one's own and others' ideas.
- Properly acknowledge and assign authorship.
- Select an appropriate documentation style and use it consistently.
What is the Information Literacy program at Vermont Technical College?
The Information Literacy Program at Vermont Technical College is a response to the Vermont State College's Board of Trustees implementation of graduation standards in information literacy.
The program consists of tutorials and quizzes available in the Moodle organization "Vermont Tech Information Literacy," and an online assessment to ensure that students meet the standard. This occurs in students' first year, usually in the first semester.
Both Bachelor's and Associate's degree students will take the same assessment. With a score over 20 the student will pass at the Associate's level; with a score over 25 the student passes at the Bachelor's level.
Who has to take it?
All students entering Associate's or Bachelor's level degree programs in the fall of 2005 or after must pass the Information Literacy Graduation Standard to graduate. The requirement is waived for students who already have Bachelor's degrees.
How is it assessed?
Students take an online assessment through the college's Moodle course management system. The test is available on an ongoing basis. The test will be available 24 hours a day and is accessible from anywhere you can log into your Moodle account. The assessment tests students on their understanding of the concepts embodied in the standard. The test is 28 questions long, is mostly in multiple-choice format, and requires students to visit websites, evaluate resources, and use analytical skills to answer questions.
How difficult is the test?
The test is designed to ensure that all students meet a common, basic level of competency in information literacy. Most students pass the assessment with little difficulty. There is a tutorial available in the Moodle organization as well as three practice quizzes. The questions that students seem to have the most trouble with are the ones that ask them to look at and evaluate resources like books or websites. So being observant and taking your time will help you pass.
How do I know if I passed?
When you finish the test, you will see a message along these lines: "You answered 26 out of 28 questions correctly."
With 28 questions on the assessment, you would need over 20 correct answers to pass at the Associate's level and over 25 to pass at the Bachelor's level.
What if I fail?
The test options are set so that you may take the test again whenever you like.
