Have you Googled?

Increasingly children are turning to Google to search for answers to their homework, but should parents be concerned or pleased?

Ofqual (the body that regulates UK qualifications) recently released guidelines encouraging students to use Google and other search engines as a "starting point" for their research. The internet is a vital tool of discovery and can allow access to far greater and certainly more diverse sources of information than books alone. Finding out about a topic through an enthusiast's blog can bring a whole different perspective and interest to the project.

However, some have raised concerns over the accuracy and reliability of anything found online. The official booklet sent out to schools cites Wikipedia as an example of potentially inaccurate information, taking pains to warn that the world's biggest online encyclopaedia is edited by users and therefore, "It may not necessarily be authoritative or accurate. In some cases information may be completely untrue."

So where does that leave parents?

Children should be encouraged to use the internet as a tool for discovery with confidence and with a few simple guidelines can tap a rich seam of information which can serve to enhance their homework safely and accurately.

SAFEnSOUNDmail Homework on the Internet Guide

Smart Searching

The internet is full of valuable and accurate information but finding it among millions of entries can seem daunting. *Keep your searches clear, only use terms specific to the topic and be aware that some words have more than one meaning, so avoid irrelevant results by adding extra words for clarity.

Source Spotlight

Be aware that it is very easy to write anything on the internet but that doesn't make it true. By checking the validity and reliability of your source you can put the information in your homework with confidence.

Reliability

Government sites, large news sites and educational sites are usually very reliable sources of information. Even they can be biased though so it is always worth looking at lots of different sites to get the overall picture. Blogs are widespread and can be both useful and accurate and moreover provide some fantastic personal opinion to add to your project. Just be aware that blogs are commonly the thoughts of just one person. By all means use the information but put it in the context of somebody's "ideas".

Accuracy

Double and triple check your facts! Makes use of Google's aim to "organise the information of the world" by putting them to the test. Do lots of searches and don't just believe the first site you come to.

Credit it

By using the internet you can find that lots of people have written things you want to use in your projects. That's great but give them the credit for it.

Word for word quoting needs to be referenced so your teacher knows where the information has come from and if you want to quote someone or include a picture form their site make sure you have their permission first if you need it.

The internet is a fantastic tool for you to use to help your homework, just be smart, stay safe and have fun!

For more advice on staying safe online see our Stay Safe Online Guide.