Website Evaluation

Reliability (is the info accurate?)

-Are the sources trustworthy? how do you know? -Who is sponsoring this publication? -Does the info come from a school, business, or company site? -Whats the purpose of the info resource: to inform, instruct, persuade, sell? does this matter? -whats their motive?

Coverage (what topics are covered?)

-Are the topics discussed or analyzed in-depth or merely highlighted or summarized -If the author claims that coverage is comprehensive within the stated scope, does the site really cover all aspects of the topic? if coverage is selective, does the author state clearly the criteria used in the selection process?

Currency (is the info current)

-Does the page provide specific dates of info -Does currency matter with your topic -How current are the sources or links -Is the info helpful? -Does it give you enough info? -Is the info at your reading level? -Does the info use words, pics, charts, sounds, or video? -Do the facts contribute to your knowledge of the subject? -Will this info be useful in your project?

How to tell if it is a personal page

-If it has bias, accuracy, authority -Does URL have a tilde ~ -Does the URL have % -Does URL include personal name -Does URL include words like : users, people, or members

Objectivity (is the information biased? think about perspective)

-Is it full fact or opinion? -Does it reflect bias? how? -Are a balance of perspectives represented? -Could the information be meant as humorous?

Style

-Is the content well-organized? If the site is extensive, does it have an internal index? Is search capability provided within the site? -Does the overall design of the site make the content easier to comprehend? Is the design graphically pleasing or does it lack visual harmony and appeal? -Does the site include automatic pop-up windows that distract attention from the main content and waste the user's time? Does intrusive advertising crowd the main content? -Does the text follow accepted rules of spelling, punctuation, grammar, and usage?

Authenticity (is the info authentic?)

-Where does the info originate? -Is the info from an established organization? -Has the info been reviewed by others to insure accuracy? -Is this a primary source or secondary source of info? -Are originals sources clear and documented? -Is a bibliography provided citing the sources used?

Authority

-Who created info and why -Do you recognize author or work -What knowledge or skills do they have in the area -Fact or opinions -What else has author written -Does the author acknowledge other viewpoints and theories -Does the author have any degrees in the subject

Types of url's

.com (commercial $) .edu (education, most US colleges) .ac (academic institution not used in US) .org (any organization) .net (internet- no specific designation) .gov (gov't agency) .net (network) .mil (military institution - US)

The basic five of website evaluation

1. Content 2. Coverage 3. Currency 4. Objectivity 5. Authority

If you find opinions, misconceptions, and inaccurate information, is it a good website?

No