This lesson looks at a valid print source, valid Internet source, and an example of fake news. Students will learn how to differentiate between real and fake news in preparation for research.
This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.
The lesson emphasizes the importance of locating valid online sources. Students will compare and contrast two different sources of information to determine which is the most reliable. Students will learn to identify the purpose of a website. Students will also learn the importance of evaluating sources of information for fairness and bias.
"Is everything on the Internet true, and what is a virus?" are some of the questions addressed by the much-loved character Ruff Ruffman, in this animated video from RUFF RUFFMAN: HUMBLE MEDIA GENIUS. With his uniquely comical style, Ruff helps guide students in responsibly navigating the twenty-first-century skill of using online technology. This resource is part of the RUFF RUFFMAN: HUMBLE MEDIA GENIUS Collection. This video can be played to introduce a lesson on validating and identifying the purpose of digital content.
This lesson, part of the Digital Literacy series, addresses the importance of locating and verifying reliable sources when working with online information. This lesson is aimed at a young audience and operates on the assumption that many students in the class are not yet reading and writing independently.
Students will be able to:
-Evaluate the reliability of online sources-Honor their personal reactions to information presented online-Question information that does not feel right to them
As technology advances and the social landscape shifts, it is crucial for students to become digitally literate citizens. In this series, elementary students will learn the ins and outs of media literacy, from choosing reliable sources and understanding online searches to navigating online security and participating in digital communities. More lessons in this series are listed under "Related Resources."
