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Evaluating Web Resources:
Students have a tendency to assume that everything they find on
the Web is reliable, accurate information. Sadly that is not the case. It is
our responsibility to teach them how to evaluate the resources they encounter
on the Web. The following 5 areas are commonly used to evaluate the quality
of the Web Site.
- AUTHORITY
- The author/organization responsible for the information is clearly
stated
- For individual authors, their professional experience, educational
background or affiliations with professional organizations are listed
- Institutional sites clearly state their mission or purpose
- RELIABILITY
- Is there a bibliography to document sources or to provide additional
information
- Does the author refer to notable research studies, special reports,
experts, etc. to support his/her claims
- Is the intended audience appropriate for your needs
- Can you determine the purpose of the Web Site (e.g., is it intended
to inform? explain? persuade? market a product? advocate a cause?
Beware of hidden agendas that indicate less reliable information
may be there)
- BIAS
- Does the site provide multiple points of view
- Are there emotionally or politically charged words or statements
- CURRENCY
- The site states the date the material was written and last updated
- The links to the pages are current (no dead links)
- CLARITY
- Is the information presented in a logical sequence and is it well
organized
- Is the page free of spelling and grammatical errors
- The site should avoid flashing and distracting elements or advertisements
- The images, fonts and colors should highlight key concepts
Sample Assignment:
Additional Links:
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