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Lesson 1: Evaluating Information and Media Literacy

You will learn a simple credibility framework that helps you judge online information for accuracy, bias, and evidence. You will practice with a guided example, then evaluate a real source that matters to you.

Adult-friendly, real-world focus Clear steps and examples Instant feedback self-check
Module Overview Go to the Task Next: Lesson 2 Supports

Estimated time: 60 to 90 minutes. You can complete the lesson in one sitting, or pause and return later.

Quick Start

  • Pick a topic you care about: health, work, money, consumer choices, or community news.
  • Complete Parts 1 to 3 to learn and practice the framework.
  • Take the quick self-check for instant feedback, then submit your Part 4 evaluation.
  • After submitting, move directly into Lesson 2 to practice with low-stakes scenarios.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Identify key indicators of digital source credibility.
  • Distinguish between fact, opinion, bias, and misinformation.
  • Apply a structured framework to evaluate an online source.
  • Use one verification step before acting or sharing.
  • Explain how media influence can shape decision-making.
1

Part 1: Real-World Activation

10 to 15 minutes

Choose one decision area that feels relevant today. Good options include health guidance, job advice, consumer products, or community news. This lesson helps you slow down and evaluate before you act or share information.

Pick one topic

Choose one: health, employment, finance, consumer purchases, or community issues. If you are unsure, pick the topic you see most often online.

Quick Prompt: Think of a time you saw a headline or social media post that influenced a decision or opinion. What made it feel believable in the moment?
Optional: Keep this private or copy it into your Reflection later.
2

Part 2: Learn the Credibility Framework

15 to 20 minutes

Use this four-part framework to evaluate credibility quickly and consistently. If you only remember one thing, remember this: look for evidence you can verify.

1) Authority

Who created the content, and what makes them qualified to speak on the topic?

2) Evidence

What proof is provided, and can you verify the claims through reliable sources?

3) Bias and Purpose

What is the goal of the content, and who benefits if you believe it?

4) Currency

When was it created or updated, and does the timing affect accuracy?

Adult learner tip: If the topic affects your health, money, employment, or community safety, use a higher standard. Cross-check with at least one independent source before acting or sharing.
Vocabulary supports

Bias: A tendency to present information in a way that favors a viewpoint or outcome.

Misinformation: Inaccurate information shared without intent to harm, but still misleading.

Disinformation: Inaccurate information shared intentionally to manipulate or deceive.

Credibility: The extent to which a source is trustworthy, accurate, and supported by evidence.

Q

Quick Practice Check: Test the Framework

5 to 10 minutes

Complete this short self-check for instant feedback before moving to guided practice. You may retake it as needed.

Tip: If the form is hard to view on your device, open it in a new tab from the form menu in the top-right corner.
3

Part 3: Guided Practice

20 minutes

Practice the framework with a sample source. If you do not have one ready, use a short post you recently saw online. This practice is not graded. It prepares you for the task and sets you up for Lesson 2 practice scenarios.

Optional shortcut: If you prefer, skip the writing and record quick notes on your phone. You can submit audio later.
  1. Pick a sample source. Use an article, post, or screenshot.
  2. Write the claim. One sentence describing what the source says is true.
  3. Use the four checks. Authority, Evidence, Bias and Purpose, Currency.
  4. Rate credibility. High, Medium, or Low with a brief reason.
Sentence starter: The source claims that…
If you are unsure, choose Medium and explain what you would verify.
Look for names, credentials, organization mission, and verification options.
Look for data, links to sources, and whether you can cross-check elsewhere.
Watch for emotional language and missing counterpoints.
Time-sensitive topics require more current verification.
Sentence starters: I rated this as… because… / I would verify by…
4

Part 4: Independent Application Task

20 to 30 minutes

Evaluate a real online source you choose. Pick a topic that matters to your life. Your goal is to show clear reasoning using the credibility framework.

Choose one submission format

Written (250 to 400 words), Audio (2 to 3 minutes), or Visual infographic (one page with captions).

Important: You are evaluated on your reasoning, not your format. Use the framework and justify your credibility rating. You will practice these same checks again in Lesson 2 using short scenarios.
  • Source details: Title, author or organization, and date if available.
  • Claim: One sentence describing what the source says is true.
  • Framework: Authority, Evidence, Bias and Purpose, Currency.
  • Rating: High, Medium, or Low with a brief justification.
  • Verification step: One step you would take before acting or sharing.

Submit Your Source Evaluation

Use the form below to submit your evaluation. If you are submitting audio or a visual, paste a share link in the form.

Tip: If you are using a phone, consider drafting your responses in Notes first, then paste them into the form.
5

Part 5: Reflection (Preview)

10 minutes

You will complete the full reflection on the Reflection page. Use these prompts now as a preview, then bring your best ideas with you.

  • How might this framework change what you trust online, and why?
  • What is one habit you will change when you see a persuasive headline or viral post?
  • Where in your life do credibility checks matter most right now?
Optional: Copy a sentence from your Part 1 response and explain whether your thinking changed after using the framework.
S

Supports

Use anytime

Use these supports anytime you need them. They are here to reduce barriers while keeping the goal clear.

Choose what helps you

Use vocabulary help, break work into short segments, and choose the submission format that fits your strengths.

  • Writing support: Use sentence starters and short paragraphs, or switch to audio.
  • Attention support: Work in 10-minute blocks and save your notes to return later.
  • Language support: Focus on clear reasoning and key ideas rather than perfect grammar.
  • Technology support: If bandwidth is limited, use a short source or a screenshot.
  • Confidence support: There is no “perfect source,” only clear evaluation.
Alternate pathway: If you cannot access your chosen source, evaluate a printed handout or screenshot instead. The framework still applies.
R

Rubric Snapshot

How you are evaluated

You are evaluated on reasoning and evidence. You are not graded on choosing a “right” source. You are graded on how clearly you apply the framework and justify your credibility rating.

Focus: Clear reasoning, clear evidence, and one realistic verification step.
  • Framework use: You address all four checks clearly.
  • Evidence and verification: You identify evidence and propose a realistic verification step.
  • Bias awareness: You explain purpose and potential bias without guessing.
  • Clarity: Your reasoning is organized and understandable.
  • Real-world connection: You connect the skill to adult decision-making.

Next Step: Lesson 2 – Practice Lab

15 to 25 minutes

Lesson 2 helps you build confidence by practicing the same credibility checks with short, realistic scenarios. You will work with low-stakes examples (health, work, and finance) and strengthen your ability to explain why a source is credible.

Recommended: After you submit Part 4, go straight into Lesson 2 while the framework is fresh.
Open Lesson 2 – Practice Lab Preview Lesson 3 Go to Reflection