Question due Nov. 10

1.      If you are information literate it means that you have knowledge of new information and technology and the useful ways to apply them. The trouble I find is that there is so much new technology and it is forever changing that it is hard to keep up with and stay literate. I myself would define a person who is information literate as someone who puts forth his or her best effort in order to stay aware of new information. This person is willing to learn new technology whether for their own personal use or in application of their careers. This person is also willing to share the new information they have learned with others and it always trying to find ways to incorporate new things. In a nut shell this person is Barbara!

2.      When teachers begin having students find and use information for the internet they have to be sure to work with the students to understand the accuracy of information. Students can easily be misled into thinking that everything that is on the internet is true, there are even many adults who fall into this trap. Teachers need to spend time working with students explaining what to look for on websites to make them valid, including looking at publishing date, who the author is, and who is sponsoring the website where the information is found. Even then however students have to be aware that checking multiple sources is the best way to cross reference information and check the validity. Students also need to be aware of sites like Wikipedia where anyone can post information. Not everything on Wikipedia is false but students need to recognize where information is coming from.

3.      The similarities between the four instructional strategies are that they all require students to research using the internet. The major differences are the focus of the research and the manner the internet is used. When students are using an internet workshop model they are gathering information about a certain topic on the internet, then they are sharing and comparing their information with people who were researching the same topic. When students are using an internet project model they are working with classes that are in a different location but working to solve the same problem. Possible a class in Sterling is working with a class in Stonington to research ways to reduce trash at their schools. When students are using an internet inquiry model what students are researching is driven by what they want to know. Possible a class is researching WWII but some students are researching Japans role in the war while others are researching the war effort at home because this is what students want to learn about. Finally when students are using a Webquest model they are using a specific webquest site and following the directions set by the teacher. Maybe they have to follow links and answer certain questions or watch a video.