The CRAAP Test

Information literacy is an essential skill for all humans living in this century.  While the term literacy means to be able to read and write, when a word is added in front of the word literacy, it generally is referring to competence or knowledge in a specific area.  In this case, then, I am referring to competence or knowledge in being able to process and evaluate information.

Thanks to our good friends at Google, most of the world's information is now available and searchable online.  But, information seekers beware because the Internet has a Web 2.0 functionality.  This means that just about anyone can post just about anything in just about any location they want.  This is user-generated content at its best and sometimes worst.  What's a 21st-century information seeker to do?  Enter the CRAAP test.

The CRAAP test isn't new.  It's just a new acronym that middle school students love to say because let's face it, bathroom talk can never be overdone in these middle school years.  I mean no disrespect.  It's just something that makes the kids laugh so we run with it.  Basically, you have most likely already used the skills of this test when you process and evaluate information.  This process of qualifying information has been taught in many ways.

• It has been taught as the 5 Ws of searching.  Check out this page on Kathy Schrock's website.  
• The Newseum, which 8th graders visit on the Washington, DC trip also has a section on this called E.S.C.A.P.E. Junk News.  Check it out here.  
• And, then there's the CRAAP test.  Check it out here.

Basically, all of these approaches ask information seekers to consider a number of things when reading and processing information online.  

Current:  Is this information current?  With the rate of technological advances, information found online can already be out of date.  Have you watched a video on how to do fix your cell phone, for example, only to find out that the video is showing an older operating system and none of that information is current enough for your purposes?

Relevant:  Is this information relevant to your topic or task?  Are you trying to find out information on the Pyramid of Giza for research purposes only to find out that the website is trying to get you to visit as a tourist?

Authority:  Who wrote or published this content?  Is it a credible source or person to speak on this topic?  My blog post on my personal battle with a specific type of cancer might be a great authority for my situation but should it be used as the authority for your cancer?  What is the bias?  Who is the intended audience?  What is the URL?  Is it .com, .edu, .gov, .net and how might that matter in terms of authority?

Accuracy:  Is this information correct and truthful?  Is it backed up with research or other sources that substantiate the statements being made?

Purpose:  Is this information trying to sell you something?  Is it fact or propaganda?  Is it fact or opinion?  Why is this information here?

If your child is talking about the CRAAP test done on the current 7 Wonders of the World Project in 7th grade, know that your child is learning about Information Literacy.

Information Literacy is an ongoing process, not a single event.  It takes time and a consistent approach by all teachers so students don't get mixed information on how to properly evaluate information.  This is part of my role as the technology integrator for the middle school.  I work hard to make sure the message to students is clear and consistent. 

Beyond the school learning activities, being able to evaluate information found online will help all humans get the best car deal, find an apartment that is actually for rent, enjoy a vacation from a company that truly exists and vote for the candidate that shares similar values.