As we all know, the Internet is the repository of almost infinite amounts of crap.  It is quite easy to find quite convincing appearing sites that attempt to present black as white, or opinion as fact.  What students need is the critical ability to find a range of information, so when someone like Lord Monkton makes a well publicized and convincing statement about the inaccuracies of climate research, students can immediately find independent, qualified opinion that contradicts his statements (and that he has no actual qualifications in the climate field and that he is frequently employed as speaker by big polluters).

Well Google has set up a site to help students get the results they need, and how to assess the validity of sources, and how to go beyond the easiest result.

“Google makes it simple to find the information you need, but there are strategies for finding higher quality sources even more easily. Learn the basics of predictive search, a method for drawing on what you know about what you need to find it faster, including successful word choice and using the filters on the left-hand side of the screen to uncover information you never dreamed was possible.”

Of course one thing I would recommend is not relying totally on Google.  You should look at other search engines as well.  People do play tricks to make their sites appear at the top of the list, and Google is a business so there is a risk that they will de-prioritize sites that may negatively impact their interests.

http://www.google.com/insidesearch/searcheducation/index.html