Teaching Zach to Think

After classroom discussion of children being so connected all of the time to the technological world, this article really emphasizes on a particular (and common) example among many while researching.

Without the proper education and knowledge, it is a given that anyone coming across the internet will believe what they are reading is true. Zach, a fourteen year old, was researching a popular university website about how the Holocaust never happened. Of course, not knowing to research the author of this posting any further, he was led to believe that this statement was true, simply because the author of this page identified himself as a professor at Northwestern University.
With just one example of a story like that, it is a wonder at what children may believe these days. As far as internet and other forms of technology, children are so used to having answers right away.

As explained in the article, “it is essential that students also learn how to validate the information” as well as “learn how to research, publish, and communicate working with the internet and other information tools” (Alan November).

After reading this article, I was somewhat surprised by a fourteen year olds answer in agreement to the Holocaust never happening. Fortunately for me, I was taught about the Holocaust in late elementary school. I also had the privilege to go to Washington, DC soon after that, and go to the Holocaust museum to learn even more about this time in history. Now, not every student and family has the opportunity to travel to and learn about rich history, but at least, fourteen year olds could be taught at a younger age as to whether or not what they are reading is valid or ‘safe’ to use.

With the proper education, and with enough practice, we can teach Zach to think.