Computational Thinking and Creative Programming Activities Enhance the Information Literacy of Freshmen

This study proposes conducting an information literacy test for freshmen to assess their level of information literacy, serving as a reference for instructors. The test is grounded in the six major themes of information technology outlined in the curriculum guidelines of 12-year basic education, including: “System Platforms,” “Data Representation, Processing, and Analysis,” “Algorithms,” “Programming,” “Information Technology Applications,” and “Information Technology and Human Society.” The outcomes of the test can evaluate freshmen’s information literacy, allowing students to gauge their own IT skills and further analyze their strengths and weaknesses across these six themes. The results will provide guidance for teaching instructors and learning students, offering supplementary materials to those with high proficiency, and enhancing their programming and writing skills through computational thinking and creative programming activities. Additionally, the study includes the administration of a computational thinking and programming skills certification, using pre-tests, post-tests, and surveys to understand the changes in students’ learning outcomes.