ALEX Learning Activity

This activity, used in conjunction with any research or project in which the students are using the Internet to gather information, will help students become more aware of the importance of evaluating sources. This activity will also aid students in determining whether a source is credible and appropriate for the topic they are researching. 

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Students will assess the validity of digital content and differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate use of that content.

Students will conduct a short research project to answer a question.

To begin this activity, have students think-pair-share the following question: How do you know if a website is credible?

After the time is up, have the students share their answers, as the teacher writes them down on the board. Once the list is complete, watch the following video to reinforce the strategies the students have already listed while also adding new strategies for evaluating sources: "Assess Source Credibility".

Once the video is completed, show the students the Website Check form that they will be using throughout their research project. Teachers could even sample how it could be used by finding a website and walking through the steps.

After the students have been introduced to the form and how to evaluate websites, teachers can then have the students use this tool throughout the research process and with any research project in the future. This form can be transferred to any type of project or research in any discipline.

Teachers could look at the lists the students made at the beginning of the activity to determine their initial knowledge about evaluating digital content.

Students will turn in their assessments of each website to show their understanding.

Students will also submit/present their research projects to show their understanding and mastery of ELA standards.

-Since this activity involves evaluating online information, students will need computers. If resources are limited, students could work as partners or a group of three.

-The teacher should pre-watch the video to ensure that it is working properly and would work for their students.

-Teachers can copy the "Website Check" to their own Google Drive accounts by clicking the links provided.

-Teachers can print the "Website Check" and have their students complete it by hand, or they can share the document with them virtually.

If your students have access to Google Drive, they could simply fill out the forms online. If they do not have access, teachers could simply print the evaluation tool and have them fill it out as they research.