Guidelines For Evaluating Web Sites

1. Guidelines For Evaluating Web Sites

2. The web is a lot like a flea market--- a large selection of sites to choose from--- but not a lot of order to it.

3. Some sites have “reputable” dealers, some sites have individuals who want to show off. It is often hard to tell what is a hidden treasure and what is a waste of time.

4. Most of today’s students have grown up using the Internet…………

5. but, that does not mean they are expert at using the Web.

6. In fact, the speed with which students search the Web indicates that very little time is spent on evaluating information for relevance, accuracy or authority. Students want information in a hurry, but often have difficulty in finding the information they really need.

7. We all like to surf the web and find sites to enjoy and it is not always necessary to evaluate them. We are just having fun. That is part of what we like about the web.

8. However, when you are searching for web sites with information for a class project or research paper, you will want reliable sites with accurate information.

9. Reasons to evaluate Internet sources: Almost anyone can put almost anything on the Internet. Will my teacher like this? Is this good information?

10. Unlike print resources, web resources are not subject to specific standards.

11. Why Is Evaluation Important • Web resources are rarely ever reviewed, edited or even proofread. • At this time there are no standards to ensure accuracy. • It is very easy to present false information in a professional way. • There is a tendency to take web pages at face value.

12. Look For Credibility Clues • Authority • Who is the author? • Is the author qualified? • Education? Experience? • Who actually published the page? • Is it a personal site? Or other?

13. Web site addresses can indicate the nature of the site.

14. Types of Web Pages • Advocacy • Primary purpose is to influence public opinion, may be non-profit • An individual or group can be responsible for the page • Usually ends with .org • www.democrats.org • www.cancer.org • www.pbs.org • www.metmuseum.org

15. More Types of Web Pages • Business • Primary purpose of a business page is to promote or sell products or services • Usually ends with .com • www.amazon.com • www.cnn.com • www.nationalgeographic.com • www.britannica.com

16. More Types of Web Pages • Educational • Primary purpose is education • An educational institute is usually responsible for the page • Usually ends in .edu • www.harvard.edu • www.uca.edu • www.uark.edu • www.eacc.edu

17. More Types of Web Pages • Government • Primary purpose is to provide information about the government • Usually ends in .gov • www.usa.gov • www.arkansas.gov • www.governor.arkansas.gov • www.irs.gov

18. More Types of Web Pages • K12 • in address indicates k12 school site • mustang.grsc.k12.ar.us • mboro.dsc.k12.ar.us • greyhounds.k12.ar.us • www.houston.k12.ms.us • www.memphis-schools.k12.tn.us

19. What if I can’t find any author information?

20. Look for clues Words and Phrases To Look For • About us • Who am I • FAQ • Profiles • Our staff • Home • For more company information • Email the author

25. More Clues • Do a link check in Google link: site address This will let you know if reputable institutions/organizations are linked to this site.

26. More Clues • If you have an author’s name and no further information • Search the name in quotation marks in a search engine or online database • Use words like profile or resume to narrow your name search

27. Look For Credibility Clues • Accuracy • Is there an editor that checks or verifies the information? • Is information reliable and error free? Can facts, statistics and other information be verified through other sources?

31. Look For Credibility Clues • Objectivity • Does the information show a minimum of bias? • Is the page designed to sway opinion? • Is there any advertising on the page? • Is the page selling a product? • Is the page affiliated with an organization that has a particular political or social agenda?

36. Look For Credibility Clues • Currency • Is the page dated? • If so, when was the last update? • How current are the links? • Have some expired or moved to different addresses? (Be suspicious of undated material)

40. Look For Credibility Clues • Coverage • What topics are covered? • What does this page offer that is not found elsewhere? • How in-depth is the material?

41. Look For Credibility Clues • Sources • Does the author document his sources? • Does he use credible, reliable sources? • Are the sources real? Have you or your librarian ever heard of them? Is the material reproduced accurately from another publication? • Do the links work?

44. Remember, even though the Web is free, it is not your only choice. • Did you use print sources? • Did you search subscription databases? • Did you check with your teacher or media specialist for advice?

45. Why should you care about all of this?

46. There are lots of important questions that you will face during your life. • Which car should I buy? • Should I take this medicine? • Should I have this surgery? • Which doctor should I choose?

47. You have to be able to insure that the information you choose is: • Reliable • Credible • Current • Balanced • Relevant • Accurate

48. Just as you evaluate your sources……. Your teacher will evaluate your work based on the quality of the sources you select. Quality Always Counts!!!

49. Evaluation is very important.Learn to be careful!

50. Every site does not have to meet every one of these criteria to be a great site, but the more of them a site does meet, the more likely it is to be a worthwhile place to spend time.