Introduction to Information Literacy

In the digital age, information is easily accessible, but not all sources are reliable, accurate, or unbiased. Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and responsibly. When creating digital content—whether a blog, a video, a website, or a research project—students must ensure that the information they present is factual, well-researched, and properly credited.

This chapter explores effective research techniques, evaluating source credibility, citing sources correctly, and avoiding plagiarism to ensure ethical and responsible information usage in digital projects.

1. Effective Research Techniques

Conducting proper research is essential when gathering information for a project. Below are key strategies to find reliable and relevant information online:

1.1 Using Reliable Search Techniques

To find high-quality information, students should:

• Use specific and relevant keywords instead of vague or generic phrases.
  • ✅ Example: Searching “climate change impact in Malaysia” provides better results than just “climate change”.
• Use Boolean operators to refine search results:
  • AND: Includes multiple terms (e.g., cybersecurity AND online safety).
  • OR: Expands results to include either term (e.g., phishing OR scams).
  • NOT: Excludes specific terms (e.g., AI NOT gaming).
• Utilize quotation marks (“”) for exact phrase searches (e.g., “Internet privacy laws in Malaysia”).
• Search for content in educational domains such as .edu, .gov, and .org, which are typically more credible than commercial (.com) websites.

1.2 Evaluating the Credibility of Sources

Not all online sources are trustworthy. Before using information, students should evaluate the reliability of a website, article, or document by considering:

Tip: If a website lacks an author, publication date, or credible sources, it may not be reliable.

2. Citing Sources Properly

When using text, images, videos, or research from other sources, it is important to cite the original creator. Proper citation ensures academic honesty, prevents plagiarism, and gives credit to authors for their work.

2.1 Types of Citations

• For Websites:
  Format: Author (Year). Title of the webpage. Retrieved from [URL]
  • ✅ Example: National Geographic (2022). The Impact of Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/climate
• For Books:
  Format: Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
  • ✅ Example: Tan, L. H. (2019). Introduction to Computer Science. Oxford University Press.
• For Images & Media:
  • If an image is not original, always include a credit line (e.g., “Image by John Smith, used with permission” or “Source: Unsplash.com”).
  • Use Creative Commons (CC) licensed media to ensure legal and ethical use.

3. Avoiding Plagiarism & Copyright Violations

3.1 What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism is copying someone else’s work without proper attribution. It is unethical, and in many cases, it can have serious consequences such as academic penalties or legal action.

Types of plagiarism include:

• Direct Plagiarism: Copying someone’s text word-for-word without citation.
• Self-Plagiarism: Reusing your own previous work without permission.
• Paraphrasing without Credit: Changing a few words but keeping the original meaning without citing the source.

Correct Way to Avoid Plagiarism:
✅ Paraphrase correctly → Summarize in your own words and cite the source.
✅ Use quotation marks for direct quotes → Example: According to the World Health Organization, “cyberbullying is a growing concern among teenagers” (WHO, 2023).
✅ Always cite the source → Whether using text, images, or videos, always include a proper reference.

4. Application: Gathering and Documenting Sources

When working on a digital media project, it is essential to keep a research log where all sources are documented. This ensures:

• Accuracy: The project is backed by verified, credible information.
• Transparency: Viewers can trust the content because sources are provided.
• Respect for Intellectual Property: Citations acknowledge the work of others.

Example of a Research Log Table for a Project on Cybersecurity:

Conclusion

Effective research and proper citation are critical skills in digital content creation. Whether working on a webpage, infographic, or report, students must ensure their work is based on reliable and accurately referenced information. Avoiding plagiarism and giving credit to original sources are fundamental to ethical computing.

By mastering these skills, students become responsible digital citizens and develop strong information literacy—a vital skill in academics, business, and daily life.