Enhancing Integration of Information Literacy in TVET Curriculum in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Effects

Abstract

Purpose: Information literacy refers to the set of characteristics that enables ordinary learners become wise information consumers and lifelong learners. The set of abilities or skills the learner requires in order to determine information needs, locate, access and evaluate information sources and effectively use resources regardless of the format. There is global acceptance of the need for information literacy among trainees undertaking Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET). Integrating information literacy in the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum has become a necessity. The purpose of this study was to investigate how TVET trainees applied information literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to ascertain the trainees` uptake of e-learning and establish the strategies laid down for integration of information literacy in TVET curriculum.
 Methodology: Descriptive research design was adopted. The Nyeri National Polytechnic was purposively sampled due to the availability of respondents and familiarity of the researcher to object of research. A target population of 1000 library users at diploma, certificate and artisan levels was used. Data was collected using researcher-administered questionnaire. Data was organized and analysed using frequency distribution, percentages and mean.
 Findings: TVET Institutions were found to have moderately adopted integration of information literacy in TVET curriculum. The results indicate that 54% of trainees applied information literacy skills during the virtual learning sessions during COVID-19 pandemic. However, inadequate information literacy among trainees contributed to non-effective use of the e-resources.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To this end, TVET institutions need to put in place strategies for enhancing integration of information literacy in TVET curriculum. The strategy on orientation and continuous user education by librarians aims at improving the trainees ‘information literacy. Trainees stand to benefit through integration of information literacy in the curriculum and institutions should put in place mechanism to adopt this integration.