The Credibility Challenge: In Search of Authority on the Internet

The Internet can be a rich and valuable source of information – and an even richer source of misinformation. Sorting out the valuable claims from the worthless ones is tricky, since at first glance a Web site written by an expert can look a lot like one written by your next-door neighbor. This lesson offers students background and practice in determining authority on the Internet – how to tell whether an author has expertise or not, and whether you’re getting the straight story.

 

Objectives

In this activity students will:

  • Learn how to determine authority on and off the Web.
  • Apply techniques for determining authority.