Information competencies are the set of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that enable individuals to recognise when they need information, where to find it, how to assess its suitability and how to use it appropriately according to the problem they are faced with.
Why are IC necessary?
There are several factors that determine the need for the acquisition of these competencies:
- Exponential increase in scientific information.
- Development of @ICT.
- New teaching-learning model implemented at the University, establishment of a culture of quality.
- A changing society that requires continuous improvement through lifelong learning.
The world of work and society, in general, demand from the University the training of people capable of facing these challenges and of developing in their social and professional role with an effective performance of the specific tasks of their profession, but also of those others that enable them to lead, communicate and relate to others, making use of ICT.
Why does BUSC undertake this training?
The 2011-2020 Strategic Plan established the aim of strengthening the orientation of academic services to improve the teaching-learning processes, for which it determined that the BUSC be converted into a resource centre for teaching, learning and research.
The University Library takes up the mandate of the USC and establishes, as one of its strategic goals, ‘to contribute to the acquisition of information competencies in the University community’.
Who is it aimed at and how is IC training developed?
Information Competencies are a transversal skill.
BUSC contributes to their acquisition by providing training courses aimed at all members of the university community.
There are 3 levels for students:
- Basic, aimed at first year degree students.
- Advanced, aimed at students in the final years of the degree and designed to help in the completion of the end of degree project.
- Expert, aimed at postgraduate students.
The teaching and research staff and the administrative and service staff have access to training in information competencies through the training plans that the USC offers for each group.
The format of the courses is online (through the USC Virtual Campus), although they usually include face-to-face and practical classes to reinforce the acquisition of the competencies.
What competencies are worked on?
The EU integrates IC within the digital competency, and defines this as one of the eight key competencies that all students should have acquired by the end of their academic training.
The European DIGCOMP document sets out 21 digital competencies, divided into 5 Areas:
Area 1: Information and data processing
- C1. Browsing, searching and filtering information, data and digital content.
- C2. Assessment of information, data and digital content.
- C3. Management of information, data and digital content
Area 2: Communication and collaboration
- C4. Interaction through digital technologies.
- C5. Sharing through digital technologies.
- C6. Social participation through digital technologies.
- C7. Collaboration through digital technologies.
- C8. Netiquette.
- C9. Digital identity management.
Area 3: Digital content creation
- C10. Development of digital contents.
- C11. Integration and restructuring of digital content.
- C12. Copyright and licensing.
- C13. Configuration and customisation of applications and software.
Area 4: Security
- C14. Protection of devices.
- C15. Protection of personal data and privacy.
- C16. Protection of health and well-being.
- C17. Protection of the environment.
Area 5: Problem solving
C18. Technical problem solving.
C19. Identification of technological needs and responses.
C20. Using digital technology creatively.
C21. Identifying gaps in digital competency
Can I get credits with this course?
The USC recognises this activity with 1 ECTS credit. Its allocation in the student's record is automatic -without the need for prior request- when acknowledging their achievement record . The credit will not be awarded to those who take a course in information competencies that is not part of their degree.
Successful completion of the courses taught as part of a degree (basic and advanced levels) allows students to obtain their respective ECTS credit (2 credits in total).
Successful completion of the courses taught at postgraduate level (expert level) provides a diploma issued by the USC that accredits 25 hours of training.
When and where do I register?
Enrolment can be done through the USC Virtual Secretary's Office in Activities courses and tests » Offer » Information Competence Courses (CCI) within the enrolment deadlines and in the course that corresponds to your degree.