How do we teach students to use better internet sites and digital resources? (Lesson 12)

As stated in the readings, it is not about convincing students to use better sites and resources, but more so teaching them how.  I believe there are a variety of activities which would help students realize the importance of using better sites and resources.  I have offered three possible activities below.

Firstly, a lesson could be taught on the origin and nature of Wikipedia.  Many teachers condemn students for using Wikipedia as they say it is an unreliable source.  Rather than condemn the use of Wikipedia, teachers could show students firstly how it works.  Once students understand that anybody can post information they will see the dangers in relying solely on Wikipedia.  Teachers can then have students create their own wiki’s with false information and post it online.  Hours or days later the class can search Wikipedia to see if the information is still available online.  Once students realize that the information on Wikipedia is not always correct, teachers can show them how to cross-reference information.  If students can learn this important skill, then Wikipedia can still play an important role in research activities.

Secondly, a lesson or activity could be developed about how search engines operate.  Students could examine the Google and Yahoo search criteria to see why certain pages show up and why others do not.  With a better understanding of these engines work, students will conduct future searches more efficiently and effectively.

Thirdly, teachers could develop an activity whereby students compare a variety of different digital resources and websites.  The information will be about the same subject and students will have to compare which parts are accurate.  This will help teach students that not everything they find is appropriate or accurate as well as how to properly cross-reference information.

While I have not fully developed these ideas and activities, I hope they may be useful in teaching your students information technology skills which will make them more literate when working with online and digital resources.