Scholars examine the techniques content creators use to boost their search rankings. After watching a short "Search Boosters" video, groups select a story from the "News or Noise? Media Map" and analyze the devices used in the story. The final discussion centers around whether or not search engines should work to make it harder to "game the system."

Concepts

search engines, news media, electronic media, cross-media analysis, literacy skills

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Instructional Ideas

• Enlarge, color print, and post the "Search Boosters" infographic

Classroom Considerations

• Requires copies of three worksheets for each pupil
• Groups must have access to devices with internet for research and to a publishing tool like Google Docs

Pros

• The activity encourages researchers to look beyond the first page of search results
• Includes a completed worksheet to use as a model

Cons

• None

Common Core

CCRA.R.7 CCRA.SL.2