Internet Research and Information Literacy

Gr 10 Up—Although information and online literacy instruction is increasingly standard in schools, there are still students who use unevaluated search engine hits as the core of their research. These productions model a more effective path, providing clear, concise, and even entertaining units of instruction in the areas of Internet research and information literacy. Topics run the gamut from preliminary research steps and effective Internet searches to online bias, plagiarism, and copyright considerations. The variety of formats used to convey the information is particularly engaging. For instance, information is presented in animated scenes of teen strategy discussions alternating with brief videos showing them participating in research activities and factual slides. The expert commentary provided by investigative reporters, communication executives, and a teacher librarian adds new perspective, although the delivery is somewhat dry. Lessons move smoothly from beginning to more advanced concepts, giving instructors the opportunity to segment content for use with learners at varying competence groupings. Every unit concludes with a review of concepts and terms. The teacher's guides provide support materials, activities, and assessments. A solid choice for high schools looking for interesting support materials for the information literacy curriculum.—Rebecca James, Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN