With the content creation capabilities of the read/ write web, being able to effectively evaluate web content – for you as teacher and for your students – is an essential and important skill.
Here we will begin by accessing web evaluation tools available for elementary teachers and students. There are many such tools available that apply to a variety of purposes and uses. When working with students to develop their critical evaluation skills, you need to access tools specific to the grade and skill level of the learners.
For our purposes, we will apply the 5 W’s, as presented by Kathy Schrock, to our next investigation. Here is an example created by Kathy Schrock for your reference – PDF outlining the 5 W’s of web site evaluation.
Access some ‘not-so-real’ web sites.
Can you tell the difference?
What makes a site valid?
How do you know it provides accurate information for your students.
AnalyzeONE of these web sites using the 5 W's of web site evaluation or this pdf resourcecreated by Kathy Schrock.
Through this exercise, you will developed your skills to critically evaluate and analysis web sites. These are necessary C.R.A.A.P. detection skills for you and your students. How will you apply the 5W’s to the integration of web site evaluation into the classroom?
There are other trusted sources of information about being internet detectives.
Howard Rheingold talks to CBC Sparks about being 'net smart' and applying 'crap detection' when interacting in the networked world. He makes the point that a network of trusted sources is essential. His CRAAP Detection acronym stands for Currency, Reliability, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose/Point of view.
Common Sense Media has a scope and sequence chart for digital citizenship skills that includes lesson plans and resources to engage students at all grade levels.
Media Smarts Canada has a range of lessons, resources and tip sheets for teachers and parents.