Ch7. Information Literacy and Technology Skills — Reading Data and Using the Right Tools

What Is Information Literacy?

Information literacy is the ability to collect, analyze, and manage work-relevant information, and to use computers and software effectively to accomplish professional tasks.

This maps closely to the O*NET “Technology Skills” and “Information Processing” competency clusters, as well as ACT WorkKeys Applied Technology assessments.

2 Sub-Competencies:

Computer Proficiency: Using software effectively for work tasks
Information Processing: Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to extract meaningful insights

Computer Skills Fundamentals

Most-Used Tools in the Workplace

Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets):

Organize data and automate calculations
Summarize large datasets with Pivot Tables
Visualize data with charts and graphs
Look up data using VLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH

Presentation Software (PowerPoint, Google Slides):

Communicate information visually
Storytelling structure: Problem → Cause → Solution

Word Processing (Word, Google Docs):

Create formal documents, reports, and contracts
Build templates and apply consistent styles

The 4-Step Information Processing Cycle

1. Information Collection

Internal sources: Company databases, ERP systems, past reports External sources: Government statistics, news, industry reports, competitive intelligence

Information Quality Criteria (ACUFF):

Accuracy: Is it error-free?
Currency: Is it up to date?
Utility: Does it support decision-making?
Fullness: Is all the necessary information present?
Format: Is it easy to understand and use?

2. Classification and Organization

Structure collected data to fit the intended purpose.

Spreadsheet organization principles:

One row = one record
One column = one attribute
No blank rows or columns; keep data continuous
Headers (column names) go in the first row

3. Information Analysis

Descriptive Statistics:

Mean, median, mode
Variance, standard deviation
Min, max, range

Pivot Tables: Summarize large datasets across multiple dimensions. Analyze by month, region, and product in just a few clicks.

Data Visualization Principles:

Comparison → bar chart
Trend over time → line chart
Composition ratios → pie chart (5 or fewer categories)
Distribution → histogram or box plot

4. Applying the Information

Connect your analysis to a decision.

Data-driven vs. intuition-driven decisions: Both have a role. Data provides direction; intuition and experience add context.

Information Security

Information security is a professional obligation in the workplace.

Basic Security Practices:

Use strong passwords (8+ characters with special characters)
Do not use personal USB drives on company computers
Do not share confidential documents outside the company
Do not click suspicious email links or attachments (watch out for phishing)
Be cautious when accessing company systems on public Wi-Fi

Data Privacy Principles:

Collect and store only the minimum necessary personal information
Do not use data outside its stated purpose
Delete data after the required retention period

Technology Competency

Technology competency is the ability to understand, select, and effectively apply the technology your work requires.

3 Sub-Competencies:

Technology Understanding: Understanding the devices, tools, and manuals used in your work
Technology Selection: Choosing the right technology for the task
Technology Application: Using the selected technology efficiently

Adapting to Technological Change

Technology Adoption Curve

Everett Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations model:

Group	Share	Characteristics
Innovators	2.5%	First to try new tech; risk tolerant
Early Adopters	13.5%	Influential; opinion leaders
Early Majority	34%	Pragmatic; adopt after validation
Late Majority	34%	Conservative; adopt once mainstream
Laggards	16%	Last to adopt; resistant to change

For professionals: adopting too early risks instability; adopting too late risks competitive disadvantage. Positioning yourself in the Early Adopter–Early Majority zone is generally optimal.

Strategies for Adapting to Technology Change

Learning Agility: The capacity to learn new things quickly and apply them
Transfer Learning: Apply existing technical knowledge to new tools and systems
User-Centered Approach: Understand “why you’re using it” before learning “how to use it”

Reading and Applying Manuals

A high-frequency question type in technology competency assessments: read a workplace procedure manual and identify the correct steps.

Manual Reading Principles:

Scan the table of contents for the overall structure
Confirm key term definitions
Read warnings and cautions first
Follow step-by-step procedures in sequence
Know the criteria for confirming a successful result

Assessment format: Either arrange steps in the correct order, or identify which procedure applies in a specific scenario.

Assessment Question Types: Information and Technology

Computer Proficiency: Knowledge of spreadsheet functions, presentation software features

Information Processing: Analyze provided data or tables and draw conclusions

Technology Application: Read a manual or procedure and select the correct sequence or method

Security and IP: Understanding of data privacy, software licensing, and security protocols

Study Checklist

Can describe the 2 sub-competencies of information literacy
Can explain the 5 ACUFF criteria for information quality
Can describe the basic principles of spreadsheet data organization
Can describe the 3 sub-competencies of technology competency
Can describe all 5 groups in the Technology Adoption Curve

OIYO Editorial