Digital based content is just a fancy phrase meaning online information. The internet has provided billions of people with access to nearly anything in the world. With the internet, we can find out information from places thousands of miles away, we can communicate with others from different continents, and we can learn about every topic under the sun. The internet is being used more and more in classrooms. Maloy says on page 114 that 'teachers and students must become their own sear experts, fact-checkers, and information analysts when working online."
When a teacher is using digital based content and materials in the classroom, it is important to check for accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Accuracy, as Maloy puts it, "refers to the overall reliability of the information on the site by providing a clear description of who authored the site and for what purpose" (page 131). Authority refers to the credentials of the author-who are they and why does their input matter? Objectivity "tests whether the information on the site is fair and unbiased" (page 131), and currency means that the website is modern and up-to-date. Lastly, coverage means that the information on the site can be easily viewed.
In my classroom, I would only use websites that are well-known, backed up by references and external links. I will also check for credibility of the authors as well as make sure it's up-to-date and relevant in this day and age. I will use quotes when needed, and never take someone's own words as my own. I will make sure my students do the same.
