Media Literacy Project:

Verifying Internet Sources

Kristen BensonNatalie Brown

Lizz GarciaSharonda Thomas

Pre-ActivityProblems with digital media and sources even as

college students

Have to be able to examine all information and other components that make a source credible

Helping young kids start early when it comes to finding reliable sources of information on the Internet

The Six Factors to ConsiderWho wrote it?

Who published it?

Is the information current, accurate, complete?

Is the information presented in an objective manner?

How often is the site updated?

Is the document well written?

Activity Requirements at Racine Family Literacy

Needed access to computers with the Internet

Students should have some prior computer research experience

Be at least 11 to 13 years of age

Lesson PlanThree part activity

Initial simple research question to have students find the correct answer

Matching game handout of Internet domains“Verify the Source!” activity using three different

sitesAdditional handout and snacks to conclude

Goal of the ActivityHelp students who are in the formal operation

stage of cognitive development understand that information isn’t always reliable unless you verify the source

Stage of Cognitive Development

8th graders in the formal operational stage

Stage starts around 11 and lasts till about 16

Deals with the present, here and now

Can think about the future, abstract and hypothetical

Develops an inner value system and sense of moral judgment

Have the “mental tools” for living life

Presentation of Activity:Initial Research Question

Log onto Internet

“Find the Population of Racine”What search engine did you use?How did you know that information is accurate?How often do you use this search engine?

Understanding Websites

.org Canadian websites

.mil United States Government website

.uk Website of a Company that makes money

.gov An organization

.com United Kingdom websites

.edu United States Military website

.ca Stands for network

.net For American colleges and universities

.fr French websites

Matching Domain Game

“Verify the Source!” ActivityWhat is the real White House website?

Whitehouse.govWhitehouse.comWhitehouse.net

Who made the website?

Why did they make the website?

When was the website made> How often is it updated?

Is the website trying to convince you of something?

Does the website make sense? Is it well written?

ObservationsFour 8th grade students

One boy, three girlsMain reasons they use Internet: Facebook, Myspace,

Youtube

Obvious who had more experience with using computer/Internet

Recognized similar letters in the matching game rather than actually knowing domains

Guessed things based mostly off pictures, not information

Overall Outcome & FeedbackCore concept – All media messages are

constructed

Develop the necessary “mental tools”

Small number of students led us to work one on one with them in the available computer lab