A teacher is reviewing student assignments and keeps finding incorrect facts supported by unreliable sources. What should the teacher explain to the students about finding online sources?
- Verify all online information with textbooks
- Check the integrity of the author, and whether they are an expert on the topic
- Contact the author directly to understand their research
- Check that the website looks reputable and professional
- They shouldn’t trust any information found online
Explanation:
The teacher should explain to the students that when finding online sources, they should:
Check the integrity of the author, and whether they are an expert on the topic: It’s important to consider the author’s credentials and expertise in the field. Reliable sources often have authors who are experts in their fields, and their qualifications are usually stated.
Check that the website looks reputable and professional: A professional and well-maintained website is more likely to provide reliable information. They should look for signs of credibility such as proper grammar, citations, and references to scientific studies or official statistics.
These two strategies can help students evaluate the reliability of online sources and ensure the accuracy of their research. Remember, not all information found online is trustworthy, so it’s crucial to critically evaluate sources.