Journal #8 (NETS-T 2)

Ferrell, K. (2011). Find the truth about the pacific tree octopus. Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(1), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Learning_Connections_Find_the_truth_about_the_Pacific_tree_octopus.aspx

     

     This article depicts how easy it is for students to access wrong information on the internet. After being given the choice of researching either the "tree octopus" or "all about explorers" via Google, students came up with tons of facts.... facts that were not true. This lesson served to teach students to use critical thinking when doing any type of research online; the first result is not always the best to one to follow (Ferrell, 2011). Simply because something looks authentic doesn't mean it is authentic. Students mistook the display of pictures on a website for something that was credible (Ferrell, 2011). Students were therefore taught how to search for reliable sources and not just click on the first result that Google retrieves.

Question #1: What is the importance of this lesson?

This is a great lesson that can easily demonstrate the importance of being thorough researchers on the internet. We have instant access to knowledge through the internet, yet that knowledge is not always factual or reliable. It is important to teach proper use of the tools we have, and not 100% rely on everything the internet tells us. Common sense should still be implemented and reputable sources should be able to be identified.  

Question #2: Would you use this in your classroom?

Yes. It is a great introduction to show proper research methods through the use of technology. It does not take long to demonstrate that sites ending in "edu" or "gov" belong to institutions that are trusted and would provide only facts. It is a simple lesson, yet can teach a great deal about properly using digital tools and resources.