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As noted in an earlier blog post, Internet literacy is perhaps one of the most fundamentally needed skills in the 21st century. While many students in school now, particularly those born in the 90s or later, know the Internet like the backs of their hands, they don't necessarily know how to use it the right way. This is especially true when it comes to conducting valid academic research. If your children or your students are in the process of completing a research project using primarily the Internet, it behooves parents and educators to enlighten them about the precautions they should take. Wikipedia is a wonderful resource, but it's all-too often abused by students who understand Wikipedia to be a sufficient replacement for print encyclopedias. That doesn't mean, however, that Wikipedia has no place in research. Be sure to let students know that Wikipedia should only ever be used as a platform to get ideas and begin research. It shouldn't be used as research itself.
2. Not everything published is true.
Of course, many students, especially older ones, probably know that not everything they read is fact, especially on the Internet. At the same time, however, it can be difficult to question an Internet source if it's presented in a very professional and knowledgeable manner. Even major newspapers get things wrong, especially in our age of the 24-hour news cycle in which information must be updated at lightning speed. Take, for example, when CNN incorrectly reported that the healthcare mandate was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. No matter how trustworthy a source seems, always do some checking on your own. Which brings me to my next point:
3. Foreach fact you find, find three sources supporting this fact.
While conducting research, students will be required to assemble facts as supporting evidence of whatever argument or thesis they are trying to defend. Facts are everywhere on the Internet, but for every fact, there's probably three times as many errors or fictions. As such, whenever a student stumbles upon a purported fact, instruct them to find three other sources that support this fact. Of course, it won't necessarily mean that the fact is true, but this process can go a long way in helping students avoid errors in their research.
4. Get as close to the first source as you can.
Much of information on the Internet is presented as "he said, she said." In other words, a piece of information is presented not first-hand, and perhaps not even second-hand. The information has been so far removed from its original source that it's almost definite that some details have been changed. Whenever a student comes upon a source, encourage the student to look at the sources cited for that source, and then the sources for that group of sources until she gets as close to the "horse's mouth" as possible.
Of course, conducting research on the Internet can be just as tricky as conducting research using more traditional venues. But the Internet presents particular problems that impressionable young students should guard themselves against if they are to truly harness the incredible power of the web.
Related links
http://collegepuzzle.stanford.edu/?p=2446
http://www.marketingeggspert.com/what-an-mba-wont-teach-you
http://www.ways2gogreen.com/blog/post/2012/07/05/Guest-Post-Easy-At-Home-Ways-to-Go-Green.aspx
http://www.careergeekblog.com/2012/07/04/preparation-job-market-college/
http://www.onlinemba.com/blog/women-more-than-men-place-importance-on-career-achievement/
