Webquest

"Fact" versus "Fiction"

In today's quest to access information off the "Information Highway" we need to teach our students that there are different types of information. Just because we are accessing this information off this mega source, we can't always assume that all information we read is factual. Information may be disguised as sheer propaganda or opinions.

The Task

By interacting with this Webquest you will see some different web sites portraying different types of information that students might see when browsing the World Wide Web.  Answer the following questions to determine whether the Web site is 'Fact' or 'Fiction.'

Resources:

http://honorelvis.com/sightings.htm

http://www.whitehouse.gov

http://www.whitehouse.net

http://www.elvis-presley.com

The Process:

Examine websites listed above in the resource section and answer the following questions.  The questions can be used to facilitate questions whether the web site is 'Fact' or 'Opinion.'

1. Who created the page?  Is there additional information available about the author?
2. Does the domain (i.e. .gov, .edu, .com, .org, .net) influence your evaluation of the site?
3. Has this site been reviewed on an online reviewing agency?
4. What organization is the person affiliated with?
5. Are you positive the information is true?  Support your answer.

Learning Advice:

As you answer the questions for each web site, think about how this may relate to information that you have gathered in the past.  Compare many different sources:  libraries, television, newspapers, etc.

Conclusion:

Within this Webquest different sites were examined and questions were answered to determine whether the information given fell under 'Fact' of 'Fiction.'  

Questions taken from Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educations:  Critical Evaluation Survey

Webquest created by Lisa McFadden, June 24, 1997

Last Updated December 2004, by Trisha Armstrong