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More Information

Who should take the Reading for Information Course Online?
What will I learn?
What kinds of credit are available?
What are the benefits for teaching?
What is the general Instructional Plan?
What are the topics of included modules?
What is the instructional plan for an individual module?
Do I have to take all modules in sequence?
How do I pass the class and receive credit?



Who should take the Reading for Information Course Online?

It is especially appropriate for:

  • K-6 teachers
  • Elementary school administrators
  • Parents and tutors
  • Pre-service teachers


What will I learn?

The online Reading for Information Course engages teachers in learning the following:

  • The difference between reading for entertainment (fiction) and reading for information and other real-life reading
  • Clarify the various types of text structures that contitute real-life reading (factual news reports, sequential descriptions, etc.)
  • Information distillation and organization from traditional narratives
  • "Strategy-shifting" while gathering information
  • Understanding the author's organizational patterns
  • Brevity in reading/writing
  • Biased information (editorial/advertising)
  • Graphical tools in reading/writing
  • Parental guidance


What kinds of credit are available?

Indiana Professional Development Credit (CRU's) is available for this course, as is a certificate of completion for those who finish all nine modules. Some universities are offering course credit for this program. University credit will begin in the spring semester of 2004.

To receive either kind of credit or a certificate, you must register and participate fully in the interactive activities built into the course. A further explanation of credit types and registration methods is available. If you have no interest in credit, you may select "Non-Credit Registration" to view class materials and resources except testing areas. Should you later decide you wish to complete the class for credit, please re-register using the "Register for Credit" option. All persons who "Register for Credit" and successfully complete the class in its entirety will receive a Certificate of Completion.



What are the benefits for teaching?

You can expect the following results from this course:

  • A plan for teaching information literacy directly
  • Activities and strategies for classroom use
  • Background for discussing information literacy with parents and colleagues
  • Assurance that you can help children learn to read better
  • Professional Development Credit for Indiana teachers and a certificate of completion


What is the general Instructional Plan?

To facilitate the use of Reading for Information Online and its interactive activities, we have divided this course into learning modules. Each module is composed of four kinds of activities:

  • Description: Information about the topic that forms the backdrop for understanding the principles and practices related to the topic.
  • Instructional practices: Sample instructional activities that engage students in learning a skill or concept.
  • Development challenge: Opportunities for participants to develop their own class activities that exemplify the concept/topic.
  • Sharing/Question & Answer: Participants raise questions and share ideas or activities online.


What are the topics of included modules?

  • Information Literacy Overview
  • Identifying Types of Writing
  • Information from Narratives
  • Information from descriptions, sequence, and procedural articles
  • Information in two-step patterns
  • Writing that informs quickly
  • Opinion, persuasion and summary
  • Using text features and graphic organizers
  • Parent Guide to Reading for Information
All modules will be supported by reading selections and opportunities for further exploration. An online question and answer service makes this online course truly a growth experience for participants.



What is the instructional plan for an individual module?

  1. Introduction and purpose
  2. Readings-on screen and in course manual
  3. Interactive problem solving
  4. Threaded discussion: Stimulus question and participants' responses
  5. Quiz and immediate feedback.
  6. Assignment: Action research question and opportunity to share results.
  7. Resources:
    • Question and answer service
    • Annotated bibliography
    • Links to related material


Do I have to take all modules in sequence?

You may go to a specific module at any time. If you are a credit student, please remember that you must register first and complete all specified activities in each module.



How do I pass the class and receive credit?

To receive either professional development or academic credit, you must register and participate fully in all interactive activities built into the course.

General Requirements

  1. Read assigned material online or in printed course manual.
  2. Engage in problem solving online.
  3. Complete nine learning modules.
  4. Take a brief quiz at the end of each module. A passing score of 80% or higher is required.
For professional development credit, a certificate will be issued upon completion. Universities may require additional work in order to merit undergraduate or graduate credit. See your preferred institution and instructor for further details.

Credit Registration

Non-Credit Registration