Welcome to eLit 2003
Second International Conference on Information and IT Literacy
Glasgow Caledonian University
11 – 13 June 2003
In the age of print, the ability to read was the key to knowledge. But in a world where IT enables access to vast quantities of information, and interaction with the learning environment, and where eLearning is a growing part of the educational landscape, we require an expanded range of literacies. These are the electronic literacies, or eLiteracies, skills, competencies and awarenesses that previously did not exist or which seemed unrelated before now. As a result, eLiteracy is now a core educational imperative for all who would fulfil their potential as students, employees or citizens. This presents challenges for teachers in implementing learning opportunities enhanced by eLiteracies; for learning and infrastructure support staff in delivering information and IT literacy; for educational researchers in charting the reality of change; and for all thinking educators in reflecting upon the significance of eLiteracies for education. In addressing these challenges eLit2003 will focus and reflect on the nature and meaning of these converging strands, seek good experience and fresh perspectives, and enable those involved in education to develop an informed and thoughtful response to the needs of the future.