. As we all know there's a lot of misinformation on the net, but which people will take for granted because it's on the net. No-where is this more true than with children. Sometimes it's necessary to point out that information is wrong, and All About Explorers | Everything you've ever wanted to know about every explorer who ever lived...and more! is a superb resource to assist in this. It is designed as a safe resource for children, but is peppered with inaccurate information. For example, did you know that St Francis Drake was born in New Jersey? Or that his famous voyage started in 1942?
That's the kind of content you'll find on this site, and it's a really good way to introduce children to the sad fact that they can't believe everything that they read. As the site says of itself "While many of the facts are true or based on truth, many inaccuracies, lies, and even downright absurdity are mixed in indiscriminately."
Certainly worth considering using if you're a school librarian or teacher for a valuable lesson. There's a nice article about the site in the NY Times and many thanks to Ian for bringing this to my attention. You might also be interested in other hoax or spoof websites and there's a collection of them on my site under Fake Websites.
That's the kind of content you'll find on this site, and it's a really good way to introduce children to the sad fact that they can't believe everything that they read. As the site says of itself "While many of the facts are true or based on truth, many inaccuracies, lies, and even downright absurdity are mixed in indiscriminately."
Certainly worth considering using if you're a school librarian or teacher for a valuable lesson. There's a nice article about the site in the NY Times and many thanks to Ian for bringing this to my attention. You might also be interested in other hoax or spoof websites and there's a collection of them on my site under Fake Websites.
Great article, and you are just so very right. Children, and every one else, for that matter - should always be aware. The truth isn't always "out there".
Posted by: peterK | March 03, 2009 at 05:04 AM