2 class periods of 60 minutes each
Individual
Students should learn how to evaluate a Web age and it's information. Many Websites seem like they are legitimate, but they are not. This Lesson will educate students on bogus Websites and help them to know the difference between legitimate and bogus Websites.
Computer Lab, Websites and their descriptions are listed below.
Teachers need to be familiar with Website evaluation. What is the difference between .com, and .gov. etc.
Basic use of Internet.
Students will compare and contrast bogus and legitimate Websites.
Students will evaluate Websites content.
Give students a brief overview lecture on Website evaluation. Explain to students that there are a lot of Bogus Websites that seem legitimate, but are not. Explain to students that anyone can publish anything to .com and .net Web addresses. The Web address .gov is reserved for government entities and are therefore more credible. The Web address .org is for non-profit organizations and is usually more credible than .com or .net addresses.
Then have students log onto the Internet to review these bogus Websites that seem real. Don't tell students that they are all fake; have students make the decision for themselves and record them. When students are finished reviewing the Websites, orally review students results in an open discussion then explain to them that all of the Websites are bogus.
Next have student visit www.whitehouse.net and www.whitehouse.gov and have them decide which cite is the real whitehouse website.
Challenge gifted students by giving them the choice to construct their own bogus Webpage on a poster board. The Webpage should pattern after a legitimate Webpage on the Internet.
Struggling students could be partnered with other students. Download a copy of the Websites onto a disc so struggling students can navigate to the Websites easier.
Spanish speaking students can explore the Whitehouse Webpages both are provided in Spanish.
Have students navigate the Web to find bogus Websites on their own. Have students create their own bogus Webpage on a poster.
Have students type a one page double spaced summary, about their experience of the classroom activity and their understanding of Website evaluation.