Unit 4: Obtaining, Providing and Disseminating Information

Unit 4: Obtaining, Providing and

Disseminating Information (6 Hours)

Introduction

In this unit, you will learn about obtaining, providing and disseminating
information.
In learning, obtaining information is very significant since it is the first
stage of cognitive or learning process. After obtaining information, a learner
can continue the cognitive process to varying levels. For instance, he or she
may accomplish basic cognitive processes by taking in information and simply
storing it in the memory for later recall or remembering.
Significantly, providing information plays a vital role in the field of
education, career, life, business, etc. As educators, one of the
most important things is to provide relevance for students. This would give
them a context within which they can develop into engaged, motivated and
self-regulated learners because relevance can help students realize how useful
all knowledge can be. Similarly, as a speaker, as a person, as a learner, and as a
businessman, the information provided should be sufficient, reliable, valid and
accurate. In this way, the listeners and receivers of the message would believe
the information given which may intellectually direct his or her actions and
decisions.
In like manner, disseminating information is equally important in
learning, in life, in business and in communication. The purpose
of dissemination is to influence people's behavior, so that they will adopt or at
least become aware of a new idea, product or service which is being
disseminated. The use of various kinds of methods supporting each other is
important when planning dissemination.
 Unit 4: Obtaining, Providing and Disseminating Information

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this unit, you are expected to:
1. discuss the types of information and ways of obtaining, providing and
disseminating information;
2. demonstrate the different ways in obtaining information through group
activities, and
3. appreciate the types of information, different ways of obtaining and providing
and disseminating information by actively participating in the communicative
tasks given in class.

Topic 1. The Types of Information and Ways of Obtaining Information

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. discuss the kinds of information;
2. compare and contrast the kinds of information, and
3. perform the different ways in obtaining information though collaborative activity.

Presentation of Content

What kind of information do you usually receive each day? How do you receive and
obtain information?

Types of Information

There are three types of information that we deal with every day. They are:

• Context – Big Picture

• Content – details
• Meaning – the impact
 Unit 4: Obtaining, Providing and Disseminating Information

Information has important parts. One of which is the context. Context is a part of a
written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage,
usually influencing its meaning or effect. It is the set of circumstances or facts that
surround a particular event, situation, etc.
(i.e. You have misinterpreted my remark because you took it out of context.)

While, content is the information and experiences that are directed towards an end-
user or audience. Content is "something that is to be expressed through some speech,
writing or any of various arts". It is the amount of information conveyed by a
particular unit of language in a particular context.

On the other hand, meaning is the message conveyed by words, sentences, and
symbols in a context. It is only through meanings that we make sense of our
existence. In life, we find meaning through a sense of purpose which makes life
worthwhile. Frankl (1978) aptly pointed out, a firm sense of meaning is essential for
optimal human development.

Characteristics of Information

• Relevant information is capable of making a difference in making a decision.

• Valid information is more in-depth information that allows greater insight.
• Reliable information is authentic, consistent, infallible,
or information that suggests consistent dependability of judgment or result.
• Factual information is something documented, established, confirmable,
supportable, sustainable, verifiable, indisputable, irrefutable, undeniable,
unquestionable and undoubted.
Aside from these, the five characteristics of high-quality information are
accuracy, completeness, consistency, uniqueness, and timeliness.
Information needs to be of high quality to be useful and accurate as well.