Evaluating Websites

Author: Which site to choose? Suppose you are researching the best study strategies for your learning style. Which site would you choose based on author? A- DoYourHomework.com, a blog by Joey Jones, businessman B- LearnIt.com, a learning strategy site by Dr. Susan Strouse, current superintendent of schools C- HomeworkMaster.net, no author information available

Suppose you are researching the best study strategies for your learning style. Which site would you choose based on author? A- DoYourHomework.com, a blog by Joey Jones, businessman B- LearnIt.com, a learning strategy site by Dr. Susan Strouse, current superintendent of schools C- HomeworkMaster.net, no author information available

Smart Surfer quiz • Which of the following is NOT an example of a URL extension? A) .gov B) .edu C) .npr D) .com

• Which of the following is NOT an example of a URL extension? A) .gov B) .edu C) .npr D) .com

Smart Surfer quiz • Which of the following is the best indicator that a Web site is reliable? The author of the site tells you the information is reliable The author of the site provides contact information and his or her qualifications. The author links to his or her favorite Web sites. The author states in bold letters that the site was proofread by a librarian.

Which of the following is the best indicator that a Web site is reliable? A) The author of the site tells you the information is reliable. B) The author of the site provides contact information and his or her qualifications. C) The author links to his or her favorite Web sites. D) The author states in bold letters that the site was proofread by a librarian.

Smart Surfer quiz • What does this URL tell you about the source? http://vos.ucsb.edu It is associated with an educational institution. It is an English teacher’s personal home page. It is an article from a magazine. It is from a government site.

It is associated with an educational institution. • What does this URL tell you about the source? http://vos.ucsb.edu It is associated with an educational institution. It is an English teacher’s personal home page. It is an article from a magazine. It is from a government site.

Smart Surfer quiz Evaluating content on the Web is important because… Web authors are always less professional. B) Web authors are always biased. C) Anyone can publish on the Web. There’s no guarantee that what you’re reading is reliable. D) Printed information is always more accurate than information found on the Web.

Evaluating content on the Web is important because… Web authors are always less professional. B) Web authors are always biased. C) Anyone can publish on the Web. There’s no guarantee that what you’re reading is reliable. D) Printed information is always more accurate than information found on the Web.

Smart Surfer quiz You found a site that seems to have credible information, but there is no date of publication. What do you do? Panic. B) Make up your own information. C) Use the information anyway. You don’t have time to keep searching. D) Try to find a site that has quality information AND a date of publication. Most reputable sites will have a copyright date.

You found a site that seems to have credible information, but there is no date of publication. What do you do? Panic. B) Make up your own information. C) Use the information anyway. You don’t have time to keep searching. D) Try to find a site that has quality information AND a date of publication. Most reputable sites will have a copyright date.

Smart Surfer quiz You are on a .gov site, but you can’t find an author. Can you use this site? A) No because a site must have an author to be credible. B) No because .gov sites are not reliable. C) Yes because most .gov sites can be trusted. They are only published by the U.S. government. D) Yes because you are in a rush and don’t have time to look elsewhere.

You are on a. gov site, but you can’t find an author You are on a .gov site, but you can’t find an author. Can you use this site? A) No because a site must have an author to be credible. B) No because .gov sites are not reliable. C) Yes because most .gov sites can be trusted. They are only published by the U.S. government. D) Yes because you are in a rush and don’t have time to look elsewhere.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aem3JahbXfk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMaLgec2XWY

http://www.shmoop.com/video/web-literacy-credibility-of-web- sources-

There are 5 things to focus on when choosing an online source: 1. Accuracy 2. Authority 3. Objectivity 4. Currency 5. Coverage

1. Accuracy How reliable and free from error is the information? Are there editors and fact checkers? Remember that almost anyone can publish on the Web Many Web resources not verified by editors and/or fact checkers

2. Authority What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject? How reputable is the publisher? Often difficult to determine authorship of Web resources If author’s name listed, his/her qualifications are frequently absent Publisher responsibility often not indicated Qualifications

3. Objectivity Is the information presented with a minimum of bias? To what extent is the information trying to sway the opinion of the audience?

4. Currency Is the content of the work up-to-date? Is the publication date clearly indicated?

5. Coverage What topics are included in the work? To what depth are topics explored?

5 Ws of Website Evaluation Who: Who wrote the page and are they and expert? What: What information is included and does it differ from other sites? When: When was the site created and last updated? Where: Where does the information come from? Why: Why is this information useful and should I use it in my essay? Why is this page better than another?

Why should we not use Wikipedia as a source in academic writing?

Wikipedia Is a good starting place At the bottom of the page, they often have links to their sources. USE THESE!  Can be changed by anyone, at any time. This makes it not credible

NOT EVERYTHING ON THE INTERNET IS TRUE! Remember… NOT EVERYTHING ON THE INTERNET IS TRUE!

Research databases to use! Our school has a subscription to a research database. This will provide you with reliable sources! https://goo.gl/71m53b Username/password: barwise For your career research project, also use the Bureau of Labor & Statistics Occupational Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/a-z-index.htm