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Unit 2: Evaluating Sources

 

Summary:

 

In Unit 2, we practice evaluating sources. As an information consumer, the process of evaluation is inherent to everything you encounter on a day-to-day basis. Evaluating information can be used when you are talking informally with friends, browsing the internet, or completing an in-depth research project.  As research librarians we frequently help people evaluate sources to help select the best ones to support their research topic. Additionally, we try and select materials to add to the library collection that best represent all sides of an issue so that you as an information consumer can evaluate which sources you would like to use.

 

Because evaluation is such an important skill we have devoted the next two weeks to the topic. You will first learn about the CRAAP test and how it helps you make decisions about the quality of a piece of information. Then you will go on to applying the CRAAP test in the assignment for each week. Each activity and assignment builds on what came before, so please make sure you read through the schedule below carefully and do things in the order presented.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Learning objectives:

  • Articulate criteria for evaluating information sources
  • Assess the reliability of different sources of information
  • Evaluate information sources to determine whether use is appropriate for a given information need
DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.
To-do:
Part 1:
  • Read: Textbook Ch. 5 (skip "Knowing When..." section on pp. 71-72)
  • View: CRAAP Test video
  • View: CRAAP Cheat Sheet
  • View: Peer review video
  • Post Evaluation Exercises(due Wed 5/25, 25 pts)
  • Post one Evaluation Exercise to discussion board (due Wed  5/25, grade is part of Evaluation Exercises above)
  • Extra Credit: Post feedback to two classmates' Evaluation Exercise posts (due Sun 5/29, 2 pts)

Part 2:
  • View: Video on how to read scholarly articles
  • Complete Article Analysis Activity (due Sun 5/29, 25 pts)
  • Post one Article Analysis Activity evaluation to discussion board (due Sun 5/29, grade is part of Article Analysis activity above)
  • Extra Credit: Post feedback to two classmates' Article Analysis posts (due Sun 6/5, 2 pts)
  • Complete survey for required one-on-one meeting with instructor (due Sun 6/5)
  • Extra Credit: Unit 2 Survey (due 6/9, 3 pts)
 
DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.