Journal 8:Find the Truth About the Pacific Tree Octopus

Ferrell, K. (2011). Find the truth about the pacific tree octopus. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(1), Retrieved fromhttp://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-august-2011.aspx
NETS-T 1, 2, 3


I truly enjoyed this article, mainly because this is exactly what I learned in college in several courses to teach my future students. This article is about the phony, misleading, non-reputable websites that fill our search engine results. One teacher asked his students to do a research project; on purpose he asked them to research topics/phrases that he knew would come up as false information. The Tree Octopus and All about Explorers were his topics. This is such a beneficial and great idea for an assignment. Surely enough his students came back with an abundance of bogus research, including pictures. As he had the students share they soon realized some flaws. This lead to the discussion on how to be aware of this and how to find scholarly articles/websites. 


1.) What are some tips to make sure you find a reputable website?
Look at the URL suffix .edu, .org, .gov is a good sign. Use library databases to find articles for example EBSCO, and do not rely on search engine results just because it is the first or second link listed. There is a way on Google to do an advanced search to try and filter out these type of non-factual websites. Ask your students to use a specific search engine filtered for kids, I read about one kidrex.org. As stated in the article use the 5Ws-who, what, when ,where and why. 


2.) Why would an assignment like this one create a greater impact than just talking about it?
It is the personal experience, this teacher said his students were "stupefied" and made comments about their experience that there was even pictures. It makes for a richer discussion if the students actually experienced it for themselves and made it easier to relate to the discussion and to each other. This lasting impact of "a harsh dose of reality" makes them use their critical thinking skills.