Showing posts with label "website evaluation". Show all posts
Showing posts with label "website evaluation". Show all posts

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Saturday, April 4, 2009

21Cif Evaluation Resources







Information Fluency Homepage
  • Gateway to hundreds of free online resources focused on 21st Century Information Fluency.

    Tags: 21cif, information literacy, information fluency, evaluation, web, 2.0

    • Digital Information Fluency (DIF) is the ability to find, evaluate and use digital information effectively, efficiently and ethically.
  • 6 online learning games that teach evaluation skills. Multiple levels. NETS alignment!

    Tags: 21cif, information fluency, learning games

  • Information Fluency Evaluation Kit. Online resources for evaluating author, publisher, bias, links, date, evidence, and accuracy.

    Tags: 21cif, information literacy, evaluation

    • Evaluating Digital Information

      Part Five of the series Five Things Today's Digital Generation Cannot do (and what you can do to help) discusses how searchers have to invent their own evaluation standards because schools are not teaching them.

    • Teacher's Guide: Personalized Evaluation Searches

      How to use Rollyo, Swiki and Google Co-op to create personalized search engines for safe Web page evaluation practice at all grade levels.

    • Teacher's Guide to Action Zone Evaluation Games

      Recommended uses for the Bad Apple and Use It! or Lose It! online evaluation games in this Kit, including tips and answers.

    • IMSA Evaluation Wizard

      How to use our Evaluation Wizard to assess how students evaluate what they find online. (The Evaluation wizard is a 10 step online guide to investigating websites.)

  • In depth article on evaluation of digital resources by Dr. Carl Heine.

    Tags: 21cif, information literacy, information fluency, evaluation

  • Excerpts:

    • Every school administrator wants to maintain a safe distance between objectionable material and impressionable students. Blocking students from potential contact with sexual predators and other mal-information is absolutely well-intended. However, blocking sites does not help students think critically about the quality of the information they retrieve or prepare them for the real world of information they encounter outside of school.
    • Teachers may contribute to the problem by introducing filters of their own into learning experiences. In practice, it works like this: a teacher wants her class to access digital information, so she conducts a search ahead of time and selects web pages she finds credible and appropriate. Students then engage in a Web quest using pages or sites that have approved content. Aside from the intended benefits of the exercise, the students have missed an opportunity to learn skills in searching and evaluating that they need in the 21st century.
    • Our research suggests that students who search for digital information are better able to judge its credibility than students who are handed information. In a pilot study, over 100 middle school students were given a question and three relevant web pages for answering it. Two of these pages were credible. The success rate for answering the question using relevant information was 73% when the task involved reading the three pre-selected pages.
  • Guided tours of 21CIF resources perfect for workshop presentations. This is a series of webslide style sets of pages that detail 'Speculative Searching" and "Investigative Searching".

    Tags: 21cif, information literacy, information fluency, evaluation

  • A one page overview of how to check the accuracy of information. Includes a link to an online learning game to help learn essential concepts.

    Tags: 21cif, information literacy, information fluency, evaluation

      • Try this interactive micromodule companion for a hands on experience in determining the accuracy of web-based information. Test your skills at:

        • finding embedded evidence
        • checking evidence for accuracy
        • triangulation of data
  • Low volume, high content free newsletter to keep you posted about new resources and developments from 21cif.

    Tags: 21cif, information literacy, information fluency, evaluation, web, 2.0

    • Subscribe to our free email newsletter and receive periodic updates about 21CIF including professional development opportunities and new resources.
Posted from Diigo. The rest of Information Fluency group favorite links are here.

How can you verify that this news is credible?


Posted from Diigo. The rest of Information Fluency group favorite links are here.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Information Fluency Online Classes: Begins February 9, 2009

Powersearching in a Web 2.0 World Power-Searching In a Web 2.0 World

| 4 weeks | $99

This is a 4 week overview class suitable for beginning, intermediate, and advanced searchers.
  • We use discussions, open-book quizzes, interactive glossaries, and learning games to teach information fluency.

  • You will learn to search, evaluate, and ethically use online materials

  • We will help you locate materials specific to your needs.

  • We will show you how to investigate the credibility of the resources you find online.

  • We will help you create a personal search engine based on the online materials you select.

  • Our materials are designed to help you teach these skills to your own audience.

  • Join us! It's fun!

Introduction to Google Docs Beta Introduction to Google Docs

| 1 week | $40

This is a one week introduction to the essentials of Google Documents designed for those who have never used Google Docs. If you're using Google Docs and need some guidance we can help you learn how to use this powerful (and complex) online tool.

  • Learn to create and share online documents using Google's powerful and free document sharing tools.

  • Learn to use earlier revisions of a document.

  • Learn how to create a webpage from a Google document.

  • Ask questions and find answers working with an online facilitator.

  • Access a rich set of educator resources that will help you teach with Google Docs




Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours a week will this take?

Courses take about 5 hours per week. (You can certainly spend more time if you wish.)

Will I be working alone or with a group?

You'll be working with an online teacher who monitors the course on a daily basis. Our classes are fully moderated. That means you're working with a facilitator and other members of the class to learn together. You'll be able to get help, ask questions, and learn from both the facilitator and other participants.

What if I've never taken an online class?

We have an information rich, but low pressure learning environment. This class is a good introduction to learning online. Many of your classmates will be taking their first online course. Try it!

How will we learn online?

We take a hands-on approach. We use the Moodle online learning management system to organize and present our courses. Moodle is a popular online learning environment used around the world.
  • You follow a set of instructions that explain the goals and objectives of the course.

  • You watch online videos demonstrating essential concepts.

  • You refer to a glossary of technology terms to acquire a professional vocabulary.

  • The PowerSearching class uses discussion forums, learning games, and open book quizzes to introduce the concepts.

  • All classes have a Question and Answer forum that is monitored daily by your instructor.

What kind of technology do I need?

  • You need a reliable Internet connection.

    • We recommend a high speed connection.

    • Those using dial-up connects will need patience as the web-based materials load.

  • You need a MacIntosh or PC with an updated web browser.

    • MacIntosh with Safari or Firefox

    • PC with Firefox or Internet Explorer.

    • (Most other browsers work with our Moodle learning management system.)

    • You will also need an up dated version of Adobe's free Flash Player.

  • It is very convenient if you have access to an Internet computer at home and at work.

    • However this is not a requirement for success.

What kind of computer skills do I need?
  • You should be able to navigate the Internet with your web browser.

  • You should be able to use email.

  • You should be familiar with word processing fundamentals.

  • You should be interested in learning new communication concepts.

  • By the end of the course you'll know more about both the course topic and web 2.0 concepts!

  • It really help to be curious!

How long will I have access to the materials?

We leave the course open for at least three months after the class end date. You can return and browse the resources on your own schedule.

Is Course Credit is available?

  • Illinois Educators can earn CDPU's for our courses.

  • Educators from outside of Illinois can earn CEU's

  • No additional charge for credit.

    • However you must complete the required number of course assignments.

  • You can audit this class. (But you'll learn more with full participation.)

  • (College credit is not available at this time.)

Can I preview the courses?

Yes, follow the link below. When prompted, login as a guest. This allows you to see an outline version of the courses without enrolling.

How do I enroll & pay?

Follow the link below to set up your personal 21CIF Moodle account.

  • After you set up your account we will send you a confirmation email.

  • You will then be able to enroll and pay for the class of your choice.

  • We accept major credit cards.

    • We use a PayPal based secure payment system.

    • You do not need to become a PayPal member to use this system.

    • Your credit card information is not stored by PayPal or Information Fluency Partners.

  • When you complete the payment and registration process you will be able to login to your class.

  • The full course is available on the course opening date.

  • To pay by invoice contact: carl@21cif.com.

Do you have free materials?

Yes, almost all of our materials are free online at 21cif.com. You'll find many years of research based curriculum materials on our site. We support our research project by offering online classes, conference presentations, and custom online programming for educational and corporate clients.

Click here to visit our list of online classes. (Login as Guest to preview the courses)

21st Century Information Fluency and Moodle

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Tutorial & Game: Checking the Accuracy of a Website

This is the Accuracy MicroModule from the 21st Century Information Project. For more modules visit the website.


The accuracy of factual information can help you judge the credibility of the author. Accuracy of information can also provide clues to possible bias in the resource under investigation.

Most web pages are not reviewed or edited by professional editors or publishers. Anyone can post just about anything they want on the Internet. A second grader can claim to be a Nobel prize winner. A Russian professor can be mistaken for an American child due to lack of familiarity with the English language. Satirists or hoax perpetrators can build websites that present an alternate reality.


Don't rely on first impressions. Ask Questions!

A good way to check factual data is by asking probing questions.

Practice this critical thinking skill until it is second nature.

Ask yourself:

What claims is the author making?
What evidence does the author give to support those claims?
What evidence do I find elsewhere to support those claims?
What evidence do I find elsewhere to refute those claims?



How can you check the accuracy of information on a web page? Find the Evidence! Look for:

proper nouns
dates
essential keywords

Use these embedded information accuracy clues to check the facts by using a search engine to confirm or refute the facts under investigation.



Triangulation of Data: This is a standard for serious research. Find at least three sources that agree on the same data point. If you can't find three credible resources that confirm the data, be suspicious!

For example, the distance from the earth to the sun is 93 million miles, fluctuating up to 3 million miles due to its elliptical orbit. Some resources will just say 90 million miles, some 93 million miles and stop there. Until you have three sources that agree on a number, you don't really know for sure. Remember triangulation of data is crucial when checking accuracy.



Is it Accurate? Shall we play a game?

Test your skills at:

finding embedded evidence

checking evidence for accuracy
triangulation of data

Launch Game!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Website Evaluation


In this podcast interview with Frances Jacobson Harris we uncover barriers and strategies for assessing the credibility of online resources.







Frances Jacobson Harris, University Laboratory High School librarian (UIUC) and author of a chapter in the book Digital Media, Youth, and Credibility, talks about Web page evaluation in this podcast from the 21st Century Information Fluency Project.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

The Essential Role of Information Fluency in E-Learning and Online Teaching

I've been researching and writing about Information Fluency since the turn of the century. My work is published on the 21st Century Information Fluency Portal: http://21cif.imsa.edu You'll find modular online learning content including games, micromodules and assessments on the portal. (Free for all educators.)

I include information fluency training in all of my online classes. I introduce power searching and website investigation to the graduate students studying in the E-Learning and Online Teaching Certificate Program at UW-Stout ( http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/elearningcertificate.html ) because I believe that Information Fluency is a foundation skill for all online teachers and learners.

dif model

What continually surprises me is that most educators (including those with advanced degrees) lack formal training in this field. Unless I'm working with a Library Media Specialist, most have little experience in searching, evaluating, and ethical use of digital materials.

Curiously, most educators think they are competent searchers and evaluators, when they are really just beginners. Their disposition is to ask for help rather than search for answers. With simple instruction many radically improve their ability to search, and evaluate. This is empowering and greatly increases learner satisfaction. Instruction in copyright and fair use is also part of the program.

At the same time I push the idea that it is everyone's duty to teach website evaluation and ethical use as part of any online curriculum. Too often educators assume someone else should have done the job by the time their students walk through the door. The application of information fluency to all curriculum areas is profound. Students given even rudimentary instruction in Information Fluency immediately benefit.

As online teachers and learners we work in a computer where information is just a few keystrokes away. I hope we can promote the disposition in all online teachers and learners that skilled use of Internet resources is the essential learning skill of our times.

Dennis O'Connor
Program Advisor
E-Learning & Online Teaching
School of Education
Online Professional Development
University of Wisconsin-Stout
Wisconsin's Polytechnic University
oconnord@uwstout.edu
530-318-1145 (Cell)
Skype: wiredinstructor2

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Information Fluency Online Classes






Search Help, Evaluation and Digital Ethics for School, Business and Home

Courses Starting Soon...

Need to create a back to school training?

Use our modular content to snap together your own unique training course.

Power Searching in a Web 2.0 World

Next session starts September 22, 2008 (4 Weeks $99) View as Guest | Enroll | Course Description

Website Investigator: An Introduction to Information Forensics

Next session starts October 6, 2008 (2 Weeks $68) View as Guest | Enroll | Course Description

Receive 21cif newsletter for announcements about these and other courses. To subscribe to our newsletter, click here.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Online Courses in Information Fluency!


Search Help, Evaluation and Digital Ethics for School, Business and Home

Courses Starting Soon...

powersearching and wsi

Need to create a back to school training?

Use our modular content to snap together your own unique training course.


Power Searching in a Web 2.0 World

Next session starts Aug 4 (4 Weeks $99)

View as Guest | Enroll | Course Description


Website Investigator: An Introduction to Information Forensics

Next session starts Aug 11 (2 Weeks $68) View as Guest | Enroll | Course Description


Receive 21cif newsletter for announcements about these and other courses. To subscribe to our newsletter, click here.