Evaluating Websites for the Elementary Student

Title:    Evaluating Websites for the Elementary Student

Age:      3rd-5th Grade

Time:   6-8 Class Sessions (30 minutes)

Notes:  This webquest is designed specifically for a unit in the technology classroom or computer lab.  However, it could easily be adapted and used along with a research unit in language arts, history, etc.  I generally coordinate with the 4th grade teacher and teach this unit when the students are beginning research for their Famous Americans report.  We also extend our discussions about how this affects us in everyday life far beyond what is indicated in this webquest.  The webquest is simply designed to get them started thinking about it.  We've even had debates about issues like whether or not Internet publication should be regulated and how it could be done successfully!  

LOCAL STANDARDS

Fillmore Central Technology Standards

4.2.3.1      Navigate through teacher selected Internet sites.
4.2.4-5.1  Understand and use Internet search engines to conduct curriculum-related searches.
6.2.3-5.1  Identify false or misleading information in oral and electronic presentations.

Fillmore Central Media Standards

5.19          Determine validity of resources.
5.21          Maneuver within web-based resources.
5.23         Complete advanced online search strategies to access information.

STATE STANDARDS

Nebraska Technology Standards

The Nebraska Department of Education has adopted and highly encourages use of the National Educational Technology Standards for Students.

Nebraska Language Arts Standards

LA 3-5.4.1 a.  Select and use multiple resources to answer guiding questions.
LA 3-5.4.1 e.  Identify bias and commercialism.

NATIONAL STANDARDS

ISTE National Educational Technology Standards for Students

1.d  Identify trends and forecast possibilities.
3.b  Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
3.c  Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
4.c  Collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions.
5.a  Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology.
5.c  Demonstrate personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
6.d  Transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner

1.1.1  Follow an inquiry based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real-world connection for using this process in own life.
1.1.4  Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.
1.2.4  Maintain a critical stance by questioning the validity and accuracy of all information.
2.2.4  Demonstrate personal productivity by completing products to express learning.
2.3.1  Connect understanding to the real world.
3.1.1  Conclude an inquiry based research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning.
3.3.4  Create products that apply  to authentic, real-world contexts.
3.4.2  Assess the quality and effectiveness of the learning product.

ITEA Standards for Technological Literacy

3.3-5.C  Various relationships exist between technology and other fields of study.
4.3-5.B  When using technology, results can be good or bad.
4.3-5.C  The use of technology can have unintended consequences.
12.3-5.F  Use computers to access and organize information.
17.3-5.E  Information can be acquired and sent through a variety of technological sources, including print and electronic media.