It’s no secret that the vast majority of us get our important information online. From the most reputable news sites to our favorite social media platform, we’ve got a vast range of sources to choose from when we seek out updates on current events, research evidence for an argument, or just increase our general knowledge about a subject. And as our students separate online fact from fiction, it’s more important than ever to give them the tools they need to assess information sources effectively.
School Library Connection’s new Information Literacy Series supports educators in their mission to help students strengthen their media awareness. To kick things off, see what library media professor Scott Lanning has to say about authority and accuracy in his book Concise Guide to Information Literacy:
Then, for a tutorial your students can use, check out the ABC-CLIO video “Evaluating Sources,” which runs a classic, tabloid news story through a reliable, road-tested evaluation process. Come for practical tips, stay for the alien love story!
Use this video with an accompanying lesson plan from ABC-CLIO’s Educator Support site:
These resources are featured as part of School Library Connection’s Information Literacy Series, a multipart exploration of innovative tools and strategies to help you teach students to spot misinformation online. Click here to learn more about School Library Connection!
