Are you an internet detective or are your internet skills defective?
Answer the questions based on what you would most likely do in each situation.
Hint: If you come across any unfamiliar words copy and paste them to your web browser search and see what they mean.
You are always hearing different things about what's healthy to eat and what's not. Which one of these websites would be a good source of information about healthy eating?
a) Natureglow - A website selling vitamin supplements.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! Websites are all created for a reason and some sites that appear to be giving advice might actually be trying to sell you something.
b) A National Health Service website.
You are an internet detective! Looking here would be a good impartial source of information about what’s healthy to eat.
c) Celebwatch - A site showing what celebrities eat.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! This would not be the best place to look for an impartial source of information about what’s healthy to eat.
You are going for a day out in York to visit the new Viking museum. Which set of key words typed into a search engine will get you closest to finding the museum's website?
a) York viking museum.
You are an internet detective! Choosing specific words to describe exactly what you are looking for will give better results.
b) New York museum.
Sorry! This search will give you websites about museums in New York city! You need to become more of an internet detective! Choosing specific words to describe exactly what you are looking for will give better results.
c) York day out.
You have the makings of an internet detective, but to get better results you need to think more carefully about the words you use to describe what you are looking for. York Viking museum would be better.
You watch a documentary on TV about dinosaurs that says they became extinct because of an ice age 65 million years ago. You decide to learn a bit more and find a website that says 'It is a fact that a comet smashed into the Earth killing all the dinosaurs about 65 million years ago.' What do you think of this statement?
a) It can't be true because it contradicts what was said in the documentary.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! To see the whole picture, use the internet to find different opinions.
b) It must be true because it is in writing.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! The internet is just like any other source of information – it’s not always right! Look at opinions from different sources to see the whole picture.
c) It's generally agreed that the dinosaurs died out 65 million years ago but what caused this is only an opinion.
You are an internet detective! You understand that different people can have different opinions about the same thing.
Your school is holding a careers day with the chance to talk to a careers advisor. You've no idea what careers interest you. Do you
a) Research different careers on the internet to see what looks interesting so you have some good questions to ask on the day.
You are an internet detective! The internet is a great place to find out about different careers.
b) Hope the careers advisor will tell you what career suits you.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! Be prepared by using the internet to search out information.
c) Ask a friend what they think you would be good at.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! Asking a friend is not the best source of independent advice. Be prepared by using the internet to search out information.
You receive an email from a charity telling you they are raising money to buy Christmas presents for seriously ill children in hospital. They want people to send them money via their website. What are your first thoughts?
a) What a great thing to do. Suggest your school starts a collection.
Oh dear,you need to be much more careful! Real charities don’t send out random emails asking for donations Always be aware of requests for personal details, passwords or money, even if they appear genuine.
b) Be suspicious. Check out the website to make sure it looks genuine.
Be careful! Real charities don’t send out random emails asking for donations. It could be a hoax website!
c) Real charities don't send out random emails asking for donations.
Well done! You should always be aware of requests for personal details, passwords or money, even if they appear genuine.
You are worried about your friend who has started smoking. She doesn't believe that smoking is bad for her. Where would be the best place to find more information on the effects of smoking?
a) Ask a question on a smoking discussion forum?
You have the makings of an internet detective! It would also be good to visit an impartial source of information, such as a National Health Service website.
b) Start by visiting the National Health Service website.
You are an internet detective! Looking here would be a good impartial source of information.
c) Start by visiting www.buycigarettesnow.com
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! This would not be the best place to look for an impartial source of information about the effect of smoking because it is probably selling cigarettes.
Your school is holding a mock election alongside the real general election. You need to decide which political party to vote for. What's the best way to decide?
a) Ask someone you like who they are voting for and vote the same way.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! Asking a friend is not the best way to make a decision. Visit the websites of all the political parties to gather information before making your mind.
b) Start a forum discussion on the website of one of the political parties.
Sorry! You need to become more of an internet detective! Doing this could give you a one-sided view. To get a more balanced view, visit the websites of all the political parties before making up your mind.
c) Visit the websites of all the political parties to gather information before making your mind up.
You are an internet detective! You really know what you want to find out and where to find it!