Information: Evaluation
Students need to be able to compare different sources of information. Adapt the evaluation form and activity by editing the Master slide (Pull down the View menu, choose Master, select Master Slide). Or, use my form and adapt the assignment. It works best to provide students with specific titles and website addresses. Make a class folder (virtual or paper) containing student-reviewed websites. For example, each student might review one website related to the social studies unit.
If you're looking for a fake website for young people, use Facts About Idiotica. Also provide a good website for comparison or book resources. Use Wikipedia and Wikipedia Jr. to help students understand how websites can be constructed collaboratively.
Consider adapting this project to evaluate other media such as books or videos. For example, you might add a book cover and change the evaluation questions to topics related to character, plot, setting, etc.
Provide students with 4 websites to explore. Compare what you learn from each source. Who is the author of each website? Be sure to include websites with different perspectives, media (i.e., audio, video, graphics), interactivity, and reading level. Ask students to rate the sites and describe which provided the best source of information and why. Use smile faces for evaluation in the younger grades. With older students, consider a YES/NO or numeric rating system.
Create a student assignment asking learners to write five questions related to their topic on the five slides. Then use at least two resources to answer the questions and compare their findings. The resources can be websites, books, videos, or other materials.
Download and explore Website Evaluation Form (PPT), Evaluation Activity (PPT), and Student Sample (PPT) PowerPoint Sidekick.
Download and explore Sources (PPT) PowerPoint Sidekick.
Websites
- Facts About Idiotica
- Wikipedia
- Wikipedia Jr.
- Ideas for adapting form: Evaluation Wizard (PPT)
- Teacher Tap: Evaluation (PPT)
Create your own PowerPoint Sidekick.