To do: Make forum posts: 1 To do: Receive a grade

In Discussion Forum 1, post your response to the following discussion question. Reply to at least two classmates’ responses by the date indicated in the Course Calendar. [MO 1.1, MO 1.2]

In this module, you’ve read about different types of sources: scholarly, popular, and trade. For this discussion forum, your task is to choose two of those three types of sources and find one resource for each type on a topic of interest. The topic can be something related to your field of study or just something you are interested in personally. For example, you might choose the topic of food waste in America and find a popular source on food waste from the web and then a scholarly source on the topic.

Note: Scholarly sources are typically found in subscription databases like ProQuest and EBSCOhost. You’ll learn more about those in later modules. If you are comfortable using subscription databases, feel free to use them to find a scholarly article. Otherwise, you can search for open access scholarly articles that are freely available on the web using the Directory of Open Access Journals.

In your initial post, compare the two resources you found. What are some of the differences and similarities in content? How is source information cited in each article? What differences do you see in tone or writing style? What is the value of each of these sources for different situations in your life? Be sure to provide links to the articles you chose, so your classmates can see and compare them as well. Full references are not required.

In your responses to classmates, comment on the sources your peers have shared and provide any additional insights into the comparisons that you notice.

Written Assignment 1

In the Introductions Forum, you shared a little bit about how you find and share information in your life. For this written assignment, dig a little more deeply and reflect on your information habits as a student and a professional, as well as in your personal life.

In a short reflection essay, respond to the following questions:

Where do you start a search for information? Does your searching differ depending on whether your needs are professional, academic, or personal? Explain.

Is there a form of information you’re likely to trust at first glance? Either a publication like a newspaper or a format like a scholarly article?

Can you think of some voices that aren’t present in that source of information? Where might you look to find some other perspectives?

Is there a source you are least likely to trust at first glance? Why?

Think about the purpose that drives the creation of different types of information (newspaper articles, explainer videos, etc.). How might the purpose influence the reliability of the information?

What was the last thing you researched that you were really excited about? Do you struggle when you are asked to “research something that interests you”? (Instead, try asking yourself, “What makes me really angry?” You might find you have more interests than you realized!)

What are three things you hope to get out of this course to improve your information literacy skills?

This essay should be 500 to 1000 words (2 to 4 pages). Be sure to double-space your text and use paragraphing. You should frame the body of your essay with an introduction and conclusion. [MO 1.3]

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Grading criteria	Completeness	Your assignment is complete in every respect; you thoroughly answer all questions and meet the length requirement for the paper.	Your assignment is complete in most respects; you satisfactorily answer most questions and meet the length requirement for the paper.	Your assignment is incomplete in many respects; you only partially answer many of the questions and/or do not meet the length requirement for the paper.	Your assignment is incomplete in most respects; you inadequately answer most of the questions and/or do not meet the length requirement for the paper.	null
	Reflection	You provide an advanced and thoughtful reflection on your information habits.	You provide an adequate reflection on your information habits.	You provide a limited and/or confusing reflection on your information habits.	You provide a careless reflection on your information habits.	null
	Areas for improvement	You clearly and insightfully explain three things you would like to get out of the course to improve your information literacy skills.	You capably explain three things you would like to get out of the course to improve your information literacy skills.	You unclearly and/or partially explain three things you would like to get out of the course to improve your information literacy skills.	You unsuccessfully explain three things you would like to get out of the course to improve your information literacy skills.	null
	Organization	You lucidly organize material into well-formed paragraphs and arrange ideas logically to support the purpose of the paper; writing is fluid with an explicit focus and sensible structure.	You logically organize material into well-formed paragraphs; writing has focus and structure.	You loosely organize material and provide limited supporting detail; writing is somewhat disjointed and disorganized.	You incoherently organize material, often impairing the reader’s ability to comprehend it; significant details are missing or irrelevant; writing is completely disjointed and lacks correct form and structure.	null

	Mechanics	You write in complete, well-	You write in complete	You write in unclear	You write in incomplete,	null
		constructed	sentences with	sentences with	incomprehensible
		sentences with	mostly correct	significant errors	sentences filled
		faultless	grammar, word	in grammar,	with serious
		grammar, word	choice,	word choice,	errors in
		choice,	punctuation, and	punctuation, and	grammar, word
		punctuation, and	spelling; minor	spelling that may	choice,
		spelling; writing	errors may exist	compromise	punctuation, or
		is sharp,	but do not	meaning.	spelling.
		coherent, and	compromise
		demonstrates	meaning.
		sophisticated
		clarity.

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