Web Literacy Basics | Kraken the Code

• Preparation

  Learning Progression

  In this lesson, your learners will:

  1. Discuss what makes an online source reliable or not.
  2. Evaluate an online source for credibility using the legit-o-meter tool.
  3. Defend their evaluattions of their online sources' credibility.

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  You should...

  Do the activity on your own to become familiar with it.

  Print out the Legit-O-Meter Worksheets.

  Note: The Legit-o-Meter banner will look different and is not remixable. You should feel free to print it and use it as a resource.

  Label three pieces of paper with “Real,” “Imaginary” and “Something In-between,” and hang them on different sides of the room.

• Introduction

  10 minutes

  Have a brief conversation with your learners about web sources.

  • Is everything you read or watch online true?
  • How do you know when information on the internet is reliable?
  • How can you tell when it isn’t reliable?

  Then review the Legit-O-Meter Worksheets to discuss some general rules for determining the credibility of a website.

• Kraken the Code: Hunt

  25 minutes

  Split learners into groups of 2 or 3 and explain that each group’s challenge is to prove whether or not the legendary monster, The Kraken, is real or a myth.

  Groups start by spending 20 minutes researching. Using the guidelines from the Tip Sheet, groups should evaluate 2 internet sources, documenting their findings on the Legit-o-Meter (either by writing on the handout or editing the online template).

  
  
  

  Consider guiding their research with the following prompts:

  • Ask learners to individually talk through the process of searching for credible information.
  • Do a sample search together and ask the group what to do next.
  • Pair-up learners and ask them to create a screencast explaining their decisions.
  
  
  

• Kraken the Code: Defense

  10 minutes

  At the end of the research period, groups will stand under one of the signs: “Real,” “Imaginary,” or “Something In-between”.

  Ask each group what they found out about the Kraken and to defend their opinions using the Legit-o-Meter worksheets they filled out. Participants can change position if they hear convincing arguments.

  Conclude by asking the group to reflect on what they found.

  Next activity→Ping Kong
  
  
  

• 5. Optional: Badging

  Use the Internet to solve the mystery of The Kraken, a legendary sea creature, while also learning how to evaluate search terms, keywords, and how to assess the validity and relevance of web sources.

  Steps to complete this task:

  1. Start with 20 minutes of research. Using the guidelines from the Tip Sheet, evaluate two internet sources, and document your findings on the Legit-o-Meter worksheet, which can be downloaded and printed.
  2. After you have conducted and analyzed your research, decided if you think the Kraken is: "Real," "Imaginary," or "Something in between."
  3. Reflect on the information you have found, and put forward your argument as to why you took a particular position.

  Evidence:

  Create and upload an explanation, either written or a video, putting forward your argument as to the legitimacy of the Kraken's existence.

  21st Century Skills:

  If you successfully complete the above, you will practice the following skills:

  • Problem solving

  The skills that you have learned through this activity can be recognized and validated by earning credentials or badges.

  Through a partnership with the Open Badges Academy (OBA), you can earn over 15 Web Literacy and 21st Century Skills credentials or badges. Once you earn them, you can share the credentials/badges via your social media or resume or use them to connect with others.

  If you are interested in applying for badges, visit the OBA and/or reach out to Matt Rogers or DigitalMe to schedule a demonstration.