Critical Online Information Evaluation (COIE): A Comprehensive Model for Curriculum and Assessment Design

The recent evolution of technology and the Internet has transformed how individuals find and share information. Research shows that citizens of all ages and backgrounds struggle with critical online information evaluation (COIE), which could result in serious societal consequences. Although it is crucial to develop student proficiency within this key information literacy construct beginning in middle school, there is currently no interdisciplinary framework for designing COIE instruction or assessments. To address this gap, we have developed a comprehensive COIE model for curriculum developers, assessment creators, and practitioners to implement at the secondary and post-secondary level. In this paper, we provide cross-disciplinary theoretical context and empirical grounding for our model, offer guidance for its practical application in the 6-16 curriculum, and discuss metacognitive and sociocultural considerations for developing and measuring learners' COIE proficiency.