Information Literacy in the Digital Age
How to Evaluate Sources with Cultural Awareness
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how to assess the reliability of digital sources
- Recognise cultural bias and perspectives in online information
- Apply tikanga Māori (Māori protocols) when engaging with knowledge
- Develop critical thinking skills for digital citizenship
Why Does Information Literacy Matter?
In Aotearoa New Zealand, we value manaakitanga (respect) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of knowledge. Not all online information is trustworthy—some may be misleading, biased, or culturally insensitive.
The Pātai (Questioning) Framework
Use these key questions to evaluate sources:
- Authority: Who created this? Are they qualified?
- Accuracy: Is the information supported by evidence?
- Purpose: Is this trying to inform, persuade, or sell?
- Cultural Perspective: Whose voices are included? Whose are missing?
Activity: Source Detective
Find two websites about the same topic (e.g., Te Tiriti o Waitangi). Compare them using the Pātai Framework. Which one is more reliable? Why?
Cultural Safety Considerations
- Respect mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems)
- Check if Indigenous perspectives are fairly represented
- Avoid sources that stereotype or misrepresent cultures
Extension: Digital Whakapapa (Genealogy)
Research how information spreads online. Create a "family tree" showing how a fact or rumour travels across websites.