Introduction
Every day, we see hundreds of posts, videos, articles, and news stories on the internet. While some contain accurate information, others are misleading, biased, or completely false. As responsible digital citizens, it is important to know how to determine whether online information is trustworthy before believing or sharing it.
In this WebQuest, you will become a Digital Fact Checker. Your mission is to investigate online information, evaluate the credibility of different websites, and determine whether the information is reliable or misleading.
Task
You are part of a team of Digital Fact Checkers hired by a school to help students identify reliable online information.
Your group will:
- Evaluate three different websites or online articles about the same topic.
- Identify which source is the most credible.
- Explain why you accepted or rejected each source.
- Create a Canva infographic or Google Slides presentation summarizing your findings.
- Present your conclusions to the class.
Final Output:
- Website Evaluation Worksheet
- Canva Infographic or Google Slides Presentation
- Five-minute group presentation
Process
Step 1 – Learn about Credible Sources
Watch the introductory video about evaluating online information.
Step 2 – Choose a Topic
Your group will choose one topic assigned by your teacher.
Examples:
- Climate Change
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mental Health
- Renewable Energy
- Online Learning
Step 3 – Find Three Sources
Search for three different websites discussing your assigned topic.
Examples:
- Government website
- Educational institution
- News website
- Personal blog
Step 4 – Evaluate Each Source
Use the following questions:
- Who is the author?
- Is the author or organization credible?
- When was the article published?
- Does it provide evidence or references?
- Is the information objective or biased?
- Would you trust this source? Why?
Record your answers using the Website Evaluation Worksheet.
Step 5 – Compare Your Findings
Discuss which website is the most reliable.
Support your answer with evidence.
Step 6 – Create Your Presentation
Design a Canva infographic or Google Slides presentation that includes:
- The three websites
- Strengths and weaknesses of each
- Your most credible source
- Lessons learned about identifying reliable information
Step 7 – Present
Present your findings to the class.
Be prepared to answer questions from your classmates.
Evaluation
|
Criteria |
Excellent (4) |
Good (3) |
Fair (2) |
Needs Improvement (1) |
| Source Evaluation | Correctly evaluated all sources using evidence | Mostly accurate | Some errors | Minimal evaluation |
| Critical Thinking | Strong justification for conclusions | Good reasoning | Limited reasoning | Weak justification |
| Presentation | Clear, organized, engaging | Mostly organized | Somewhat organized | Difficult to follow |
| Visual Design | Attractive, creative, easy to read | Good design | Acceptable | Needs improvement |
| Teamwork | All members participated equally | Most participated | Uneven participation | Little collaboration |
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have completed your mission as a Digital Fact Checker. In today's digital world, not everything we see online is accurate or trustworthy. By learning how to evaluate websites, verify information, and recognize credible sources, you have developed an essential 21st-century skill. Always remember: before believing or sharing information, pause, verify, and think critically. Responsible digital citizens don't just consume information, they evaluate it.
Credits
This WebQuest was developed using information and educational resources from the following organizations and websites:
- Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education
- MediaWise by The Poynter Institute. https://www.poynter.org/mediawise/
- Google Fact Check Explorer. https://toolbox.google.com/factcheck/explorer
- Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/
- Canva. https://www.canva.com/
- CreateWebQuest. https://www.createwebquest.com/
Teacher Page
WebQuest Title
Fact or Fake? Evaluating Online Information
Subject Area
Educational Technology / Media and Information Literacy / Computer Education
Intended Learners
Grade 10 or Senior High School Students
Duration
2–3 class periods (60–90 minutes each)
Learning Objectives
At the end of this WebQuest, learners should be able to:
- Evaluate the credibility of online sources using appropriate criteria.
- Differentiate between reliable and unreliable online information.
- Apply critical thinking skills when searching for information on the internet.
- Collaborate effectively with group members to analyze and present findings.
- Demonstrate responsible digital citizenship by verifying information before sharing it.
Curriculum Connection
This WebQuest supports lessons on:
- Digital Literacy
- Media and Information Literacy
- Information Evaluation
- Critical Thinking
- Responsible Use of Technology
- Digital Citizenship
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should be able to:
- Use a web browser.
- Perform basic internet searches.
- Create simple presentations using Canva or Google Slides.
- Work collaboratively in small groups.
Materials Needed
- Computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Internet connection
- Canva or Google Slides
- Website Evaluation Worksheet
- Projector (for presentations)
Teacher's Role
The teacher will:
- Introduce the concept of credible and unreliable online information.
- Guide students in evaluating websites using the provided criteria.
- Monitor group discussions and provide support when needed.
- Facilitate class presentations and discussions.
- Assess students using the provided rubric.
Assessment
Students will be evaluated based on:
- Accuracy in evaluating online sources
- Critical thinking and justification of conclusions
- Organization and clarity of presentation
- Creativity of the infographic or presentation
- Teamwork and participation
Expected Learning Outcomes
By completing this WebQuest, students will:
- Identify credible online sources.
- Recognize misinformation and unreliable websites.
- Make informed decisions before accepting or sharing online information.
- Develop stronger research, communication, and collaboration skills.
Teacher's Notes
Encourage students to justify their decisions using evidence rather than personal opinions. During discussions, remind learners that not all information found online is accurate or trustworthy. This activity is most effective when students compare different types of websites, such as government agencies, educational institutions, news organizations, blogs, and social media posts. The focus should be on developing critical thinking and responsible digital citizenship rather than simply finding the "correct" answer.