Digital Information Literacy

Who is this for?

These lessons are for people who want to learn more about how to use the information from internet sources in a college environment.

If you come across a term you do not understand, try looking it up in the Computer Hope Glossary.

Places to learn about how to use information from the internet

GCFLearnFree

How to judge online information

This is a tutorial with lessons about some of the questions you should ask yourself whenever you view a website to evaluate whether it's reliable.

NOTE: If you want to save your progress as you work through GCFLearnFree tutorials and lessons, you can create an account and log in each time you do some work here.


Rumie Bytes

Rumie Bytes are short lessons--micro lessons--that are designed to take 10 minutes or less to complete. Don't worry if you take longer.

Evaluating Information Online: Applying the C.R.A.A.P. Test

This Byte is designed for students and content creators who need to use online sources for research.

The CRAAP test was designed to assess the reliability of online sources.

It stands for:

  1. Currency

(In this Byte, you will discover how to assess an online source based on currency (timeliness).This Byte is designed for individuals who need to evaluate information to make sure it is reliable and valid.)

  1. Relevance

(In this Byte, you will discover how to assess an online information source for relevancy.)

  1. Authority

(In this Byte, you will discover how to assess an online information source for authority.)

  1. Accuracy

(In this Byte, you will discover how to assess an online information source, such as a website, social media post or a blog, for accuracy.)

  1. Purpose

(In this Byte, you will discover how to evaluate a source for purpose -- why it was written or shared.)


Google Applied Digital Skills

Evaluate Credibility of Online Sources

Click the Start button to go to the first lesson. in each lesson there is a video explanation and instructions for a practice activity in the top right corner. It will take you about 90 minutes to work through these lessons but you may not want to do every section. There is a Transcript button under each video. You can click that button and read about the video if you wish. If you sign into your Google account, you can earn a certificate.

You can choose from these sections:

  1. Introduction to Evaluate Credibility of Online Sources

  2. Find an Article and Add It to a Document

  3. Create a Table to Evaluate a Source

  4. Answer “Who?” and “What?”

  5. Answer “When?”, “Where?”, and “Why?”

  6. Decide if Your Source Is Credible

  7. Evaluate Credibility of Online Sources Wrap-Up

  8. Extensions: Evaluate Credibility of Online Sources

evaluating-information-online.mp4.mov

Evaluating Information Online

Explained by Common Craft

The Internet is a source of both high and low quality information. Being able to evaluate what information is trustworthy, or not, is an important and valuable skill.

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Facts and Opinions

Explained by Common Craft

It’s more difficult than ever to evaluate the trustworthiness of information. It helps to be skilled in distinguishing fact from opinion. This video explains how to recognize the difference and use it to your advantage.

disinformation-captioned.mp4

Disinformation

Explained by Common Craft

Disinformation is growing. By learning what it is, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it from spreading, we can stop disinformation from doing harm.

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Bias Detection

Explained by Common Craft

An essential skill in the 21st century is being able to find and use high quality information. Part of this is detecting bias in media. By understanding the role that bias plays in media, we can use articles, interviews, videos and more with greater integrity.

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Libraries in the Internet Age

Explained by Common Craft

It’s easy to question the value of libraries now that we have the Internet at our fingertips. But it’s because of greater access that libraries have become providers and navigators of more information than ever before.

academic-databases.mp4

Academic Databases

Explained by Common Craft

If you need trustworthy sources for research, using the internet can seem overwhelming. That’s why academic databases matter. They can help you save time by quickly identifying the resources you need to complete your work. This video explains academic databases and how to use them.

primary-and-secondary-sources-captioned.mp4

Primary and Secondary Sources

Explained by Common Craft

When researching, there are two main types of information sources: primary and secondary sources. Understanding the difference between them and how to use them can help make your projects more thorough and accurate.

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Public Domain

Explained by Common Craft

It’s easy to assume that creative works like photos, essays and recordings have an owner who can control them. But there is a big exception. Works in the public domain are not controlled or owned by anyone and are free to use. This video explains the public domain and how works in the public domain can be used.