Evaluating Web Sites C. Schwartz, LMS November 25, 2013

Internet  Provides a wealth of information  Gives quick results  Great place to find –Images –Fast facts –Current events

Problems  Information can be inaccurate  Not checked for accuracy  Maybe biased  Often not thorough  Can be out of date  High reading level

Criteria for Evaluation  Author –Who is the author –Who created the page –Look for a link such as “about” or “home” –Look for a way to the author

Criteria for Evaluation  Authority –Author/creator credentials –Resume –Associated with an institution or association

Criteria for Evaluation  Currency –Date of posting of site or last update –Importance depends on topic. Historical vs. current research

Criteria for Evaluation  Accuracy –Personal opinion –Fact or Fiction –Reviewed by a well-known source on topic

Criteria for Evaluation  Bias –One-sided or shows both sides of the issue –Author’s opinion

Criteria for Evaluation  Depth –Amount of detail provided –Depends on the intended audience

Criteria for Evaluation  Appearance –Professional appearance –Easy to navigate –Images load quickly –Working links –Misspelling –Color –Few ads

Purpose of Web site  Educational- to inform  Commercial  Not biased  Well balanced

Wikipedia  Popular website  Reliability  History  Question of Authority

Data bases  Digital Print Source  Access via Internet  Not web pages  Reliable  Encyclopedias, periodicals

Domain Name .edu .com .net .gov .mil .org

Criteria for Evaluation  