I would think that there are two main angles to take when it comes to getting students to search online more effectively. Firstly, is to create a collection of online sources that we have vetted, just like the physical collection. This can (and should) include databases like EBSCO and Worldbook. These sources provide a great context in which to teach citations, because they make it easy for kids to do so. As to other online sources, it would be great to set up a system where other staff members can easily create resource lists they have used/want students to use for specific project. The TL can then add to to this, but the collection would be structured around the school’s needs when it comes to projects and research. If it were easy to create a page of links for teachers to collect their resources, and for students to access these resources; if it were already decided upon, and consistent between classes, it would make thigns easier for both teachers and students, as well as build the collection.
Secondly, would be to engage in explicit teaching. This would involve modeling research behaviours, specific and example driven lessons about Wikipedia and it’s strengths and weaknesses, and follow-up projects that immediately use these skills. Rather then by talking generally about “checking the source”, we need to show them what to do and how to do it, using the sources they are comfortable with such as Wikipedia, and employ the skills we have taught. Olders students can be taught how to use Google Scholar as a second level of teaching as well.
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