Before the Mapping activity, when searching the web was necessary, Google was my best friend. Last week I was assigned the task to go search how candle's work for science. The first thing I did was open my homepage, which is google, and typed "How do candle's work". I didn't have much luck at first and became very frustrated. I realized even though google wasn't finding the information I needed, it had to be on this popular WEB that this generation has become so heavily reliant upon. The solution I came up with was to research using different key words to make it less broad, so to get more specific. This worked and the top link is the one I decided to click. It gave me the information I needed so I deemed my search over. I tend to do this often, with little thought on where the information comes from, not knowing how credible the information even is. In my mind, the first link is the most valuable and effective just because it is listed at the top.
After going through the mapping activity I was able to understand the significance of credibility. The prior problem I had with not being able to find information could be eliminated with the guidance of altavista. I could continue googling until I found a link worthy of my search and if I was still hesitant as to whether this was legitimate information, I could go to altavista to figure out how useful this site could potentially be. The more sites that reference the link, the more likely the link are a valid source to take information from. Easywhois allows me to determine the author or publisher of the website I have chosen to draw information from. The link I clicked may have an author; however, it may not be the original author that posted the information. This could come into effect when siting my sources after writing a paper on how candle's work. If I don't give the correct author credit, then I fail to cite my information correctly. My habits must change in order to be an effective researcher using credible information. I have to quit taking a site for its word, and go use these new tools to become a true researcher. In the past, I have had to write many papers using the internet as my tool and have been rather successful. Before this activity I didn't understand that the internet could lie, or did but didn't seem to care. Now I realize the importance it holds in being an accurate writer, using the internet in its utmost effectiveness.
In conclusion, the mapping activity will make research an easier task that will boost my papers with more spice as it becomes more correct. So many times kids get caught up in going through the motions of research without truly understanding the process. The mapping activity brings an understanding that was lost before. I think it will be very valuable to teach my future students the meaning of real and valuable research that goes beyond just google, yahoo, and dogpile. We begin to form these bad habits that negate us the chance to form a sense of credibility that will be more correct than some of the links we use from google. This is necessary to ensure that even though it may be the top link, it may not be the authentic choice. The only way to find out is to incorporate the mapping activity.
When you said, "After going through the mapping activity I was able to understand the significance of credibility." I really felt like you were speaking for me too. I too always believed that the top link was the most reliable because it was on the top!!
ReplyDeleteI also liked the line "So many times kids get caught up in going through the motions of research without truly understanding the process" but I think it's important to remember that us adults (yes, you're an ADULT now!) do this too! We need to remember as teachers that our colleagues might fall into these same traps and it will be up to us to help steer them back in the right direction!
-Lyndse H.
I am also shocked by all the possibilities to finding the credibility for websites that we want to use as a source. Using this information in our future classrooms will take extra time, but I do think that it is important to consider, and also teach some to our students.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. This activity showed me as well that not all the sites we look at have correct or credible information. With this maping activity we can easily see which information is credible and which cant be trusted.
ReplyDelete-Joshua Lasseter
I agree that credibility is a significant issue. Kids should absolutely know that there is research to be done beyond google. I personally think that it should be taught that these searchers should be second rate.
ReplyDeletebrett yniguez
You're absolutely right. How can we expect kids to do research correctly if we, the teachers, are doing it wrong. These research techniques are important and essential.
ReplyDeleteNick Perez