Conclusion

With the number of Web sites continually being developed, the issue of Web site credibility is growing in importance. Consumers need to be able to analyze information found on the Web to determine its reliability. In order to teach these skills, critical users need to be developed. Nick Burbules and Thomas Callister, Jr. defined this type of critical reader as a “hyperreader”, one who actively asks questions about what they find, makes comparisons and judgments about credibility, and analyzes Web information for hidden agendas (1996). Through this addendum that the CTER 4 credibility group has created, lesson plans have been prepared in order to educate the students about credibility and thus create “hyperreaders.” By educating students about Web evaluation skills early in their educational careers, it is hopeful that a more informed group of students will be developed thus increasing the number of critical Web site consumers in the future.

In addition to the lesson plans, recent information has been included in this Web site concerning Web credibility. Several events have occurred since 1999 that have changed the way individuals think about the quality of Web sites that they encounter. By presenting these recent findings such as legislation, mobility, lack of representation, and newly created organizations focusing on Web credibility, it is hopeful that people visiting this Web site will be made aware of the importance of evaluating information that they find on the Internet. According to Robert Harris, “If we make a decision based on wrong or unreliable information, we do not have power-we have defeat” (Harris, 1997). Thus, in order to have power, it is imperative for consumers to learn the tools needed to distinguish the credible sites from the non-credible ones.

Developed by Heidi Adreon, Anne Catey, and Kery Strysick, Curriculum Technology Education Reform, University of Illinois. Any questions or comments should be directed to the author at strysike@cmi.k12.il.us.

Last updated on July 29, 2002