Finding Credible Information Online

Performance Learning PLUS is a monthly e-newsletter by Performance Learning Systems (PLS), a comprehensive educational services company that has provided a full spectrum of programs, products, and consulting services for educators and business professionals since 1971.

This issue focuses on FINDING CREDIBLE INFORMATION ONLINE.

Tips

The Media Awareness Network, developed by Canadian educators and the Ontario Public Library, provides teachers and students with guidelines for evaluating the credibility of information found on the Internet. Use the journalists' "five Ws" to assess the validity and credibility of online information:

WHO is the source? Has anyone taken responsibility for the content of this Web site? Can you verify that the author or sponsor is an authoritative and credible source of information?

WHAT are you getting? Does the site's information seem complete and well organized? Is the data biased in any way? Does the site offer multiple viewpoints? Are there links to alternative viewpoints?

WHEN was it created? Is the data current? Does a reference date show when the material was put online, or when it was last updated? Do the links work?

WHERE are you? Learn how to understand a Uniform Resource Locator (i.e., URL or "site address"). The URL contains the domain name of the organization or individual hosting the Web site. The type of organization behind a Web site can give some clues to its credibility. (For details, refer to the source listed below.)

WHY are you here? Is the Internet a logical place to look for the kind of information you are seeking? Can you get the information faster off-line? Are you able to verify this information? How can you tell the credible information from the questionable information online? When in doubt, look further. Caution is wise in assessing information on the Internet. You may also want to double-check your facts and sources. The Media Awareness Network site also includes an excellent checklist for rating the quality of Web site designs.

Classroom Application

You can apply the above method of evaluating online information in a number of different ways in your classroom:

Use the "five Ws" method to find up-to-date research as you plan lessons.

Design a lesson that gives your students the experience of assessing the credibility of several sites.

Assign research projects that encourage your students to pull information from a variety of different sources (first-hand interviews, newspaper and magazine articles, books, and online) so they stay in the practice of seeking out the sources that best suit the information they are looking for.

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