Search Strategies
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 Teacher Page
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Where do I start?
With millions of web sites on the Internet, where do you begin to search for information? And how do you check the accuracy of your information? During this "Thing", we will review the Big6 framework, learn how to evaluate web sites, wikis, and blogs, and have some fun by checking out the Bogus & Hoax sites.
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What is "Information Literacy"?
Looking to solve a problem or answer a question? There's a simple way to find what you need by using the Big6 model.
#1. Task Definition Define your problem and think about what information you will need to find. #2. Information-Seeking Strategies Brainstorm sources and select the best ones. Figure out which sources will give you the best (valid and reliable) results. #3. Location and Access Use good sources to find information. Begin selecting key ideas and points. #4. Use of Information Narrow down what you find by using good notetaking skills and citations. Always respect copyright laws and good ethics. #5. Synthesis Organize your ideas from multiple sources. Present the information in a meaningful way so that others understand your meaning. #6. Evaluation Evaluate yourself - when I reflect on the job that I did, how thorough was I? Did I miss anything? Do I need to make any changes? The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg (Dean Emeritus and Professor - University of Washington Information School) and Robert E. Berkowitz (School Library Media Specialist with the Wayne Central School District, Ontario Center, NY).
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Web Evaluation
Finding Good Sources
Google is a good place to find information about a topic using keywords, but often this search engine finds millions of web hits. How do you know which of the hits are "good"? Wikis (such as Wikipedia) are a good starting point, but Wikis can be edited and may not be factual. When people post to blogs they are often just giving their opinion about a subject, so the information depends on the author's expertise. When looking at blogs and wikis, it is important to understand what they are and how to tell them apart. Check out the University of Albany's fact sheet so you understand the difference.
Save time and use an Educational Database like MEL.org - always valid and reliable sources. WATCH this video overview of MeL (Michigan eLibrary). You will learn about all the resources that are geared toward students on the Michigan eLibrary site.
Looking for access to primary resources for history and social studies primarily relating to Michigan? Check out Mel Michigana for historical maps, diaries, postcards, pictures and photographs, films and historical documents to use when doing research on Michigan. |
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Warning! Check Your Sources
How do you know that what you find on the Internet is factual? truthful? reliable? valid? There are many sites out there that try to trick, influence, or prank the Internet surfer. Learn how to avoid these sites by learning how to assess, or critically evaluate a web site.
Hackers, jokesters, pranksters, and wasters of time/talent spend countless hours creating bogus and fake websites. These hoaxes have web hits in which the unknowing public cites them as fact rather than fiction. Another common practical joke is to edit a Wiki (e.g. Wikipedia) with false information.
Hackers, jokesters, pranksters, and wasters of time/talent spend countless hours creating bogus and fake websites. These hoaxes have web hits in which the unknowing public cites them as fact rather than fiction. Another common practical joke is to edit a Wiki (e.g. Wikipedia) with false information.
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What can you believe on the web? Click on the button to download a listing with hyperlinks to a variety of Bogus and Hoax web sites. As you check out these sites, remember - they are FICTION! (pdf document) |
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Evaluate Blogs
Blogs are web logs, which have opinions or "posts" as well as content from the creator. Although there are many wonderful blogs out there, think about who wrote it, why, how much they know, or why they are writing the blog.
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Blog Searching...
To search for blogs, check out Technorati. To evaluate a blog, click on the Kathy Schrock's Guide to Evaluating Blogs.
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Evaluate WikisWikipedia may be a starting point for general information, but it should NEVER be cited for formal research purposes since the content is constantly changing.
A wiki is a web page that can be edited, and subscribers are able to add content. In the case of Wikipedia, there are many instances in which people have edited the content with fiction, or false information. Check out the Disclaimer found at the bottom of every web page within Wikipedia! ====> |
If you still have your mind set on using Wikipedia, review the Wiki on How to Evaluate the Credibility of a source or the file on evaluating a Wikipedia article.
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Evaluate Web Sites
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Joyce Valenza, a teacher librarian and leading expert on web site evaluation has created criteria for evaluating Web Sites, Blogs, and Wikis. Check with your teacher to find out which criteria you should use (BASIC or ADVANCED).
Evaluate Web Sites: BASIC SystemClick on the image to learn more about the BASIC System.
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Go through Joyce Valenza's Selecting and Evaluating site for information on evaluating Web Sites using the CARRDSS System.
Click on the image to learn more about the CARRDSS System.
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Activities
Click the button on the right for an activity which includes demonstrating you are Big6 savvy, and able to do web, blog and wiki evaluation. (pdf file)
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Connections
NETS-S: Research & Information Strategies: 3. a., 3. b., 3. c., 3. d.
METS: Grades 6-8.RI 1, 2, 3, 4; CC.1 ;Grades 9-12.RI.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; CC .2Collaboration: 2
METS: Grades 6-8.RI 1, 2, 3, 4; CC.1 ;Grades 9-12.RI.1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; CC .2Collaboration: 2
Additional Resources
If you are looking for a tutorial to help with school, perhaps you head over to Khan Academy to check out the 1800+ video tutorials.
Or maybe you simply want to know how stuff works.
Find out who authored a site by checking out Whois?
Additional sources for information can be found at:
Or maybe you simply want to know how stuff works.
Find out who authored a site by checking out Whois?
Additional sources for information can be found at:
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21things4students by REMC-RITS is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at 21things4teachers.net.
