Using the WebMAC Content Validity Scale to Evaluate Websites

Subject Area(s):

• K-12: Technology

Grade Level(s):

• 9th Grade

Description:

Part 2 of a 2-day lesson on evaluating the validity of websites; intended to be taught in conjunction with "How to Save the Endangered Tree Octopus" buILder lesson (http://www.informationliteracy.org/builder/1878).



Related subject area is K-12 technology, but when combined with Tree Octopus buILder it may be taught as a lesson on science research.



NOTE: See attached lesson plan in Supporting Files. Includes a modified lesson for elementary students.

Goals & Objectives:

Instructional goal:

• Students will be able to determine the validity, relevance, and comprehensiveness of websites and website content.

Learning objective:

• When given a website, 9th grade students will be able to determine the validity, relevance, and comprehensiveness of its content using the WebMAC Content Validity Scale.

Motivational goal:

• Students will demonstrate increased confidence in their ability to critically evaluate websites for future research purposes.

Materials:

WebMAC Content Validity Scale handout (attached in supporting files)

Computers with Internet Access

Procedures:

The librarian will introduce the lesson by discussing how even "good" or "reliable" websites can still lack information making them less worthy than others. 

After a brief description of the WebMAC Content Validity Scale, students will be assigned a real website to evaluate using the scale.  This will be done in small groups.

Assessment:

After evaluating the website using the Content Validity Scale, each group will present their findings to the rest of the class as to whether their website was relevant, valid, and comprehensive.



Students will discuss what they learned and how they will apply it to future research projects.

Supporting Files:

• S_A_Content_ValidityScale.doc
  Content Validity Scale
• Website_Evaluation_Using_WebMAC_9th_Grade.doc
  Lesson Plan

Standards:

National Information Literacy Standards (K-12)

Evaluates information critically and competently.

• Determines accuracy, relevance and comprehensiveness.
• Identifies inaccurate and misleading information.
• Subject: K-12: Technology

National Content Standards (K-12)

• Understands the nature of technological design
• Understands the nature and operation of systems
• Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and operating systems
• Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs