Reality Check – Websites! ©2008-2012 Raymona Martin Batchelor Latest Update 11/2012

So, you use the Internet for research? Learn to “Get the Scoop” on Web Sites

Research & the Internet This presentation will give you some tips for evaluating Web sites. Remember, you can’t assume information is true and verifiable just because you found it on the Internet. It could turn out to be: WRLD WIDE JUNK Learn to tell the difference!

Break It Down! http://www.mywebsite.com/agreatsite/volcanoes.htm http - Hyper Text Transfer Protocol - the technology used to communicate between web servers and web users. www – World Wide Web mywebsite – Name, may be the name of a company or a personal name .com - Domain name

Domain Names .com - commercial website, either sells a product, offers advertising, or is sponsored by a company that sells something .edu – educational institution, i.e. school, college, or university .org – organization such as American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, etc. .net – network, could be a personal website so evaluate carefully .gov – government site, highly credible and factual information .mil – military website, valuable and trusted information .

Let’s examine these six questions more closely… Evaluating Web sites involves answering the very same questions any good investigative reporter asks: Who?  What?  When?  Where? Why? How? Let’s examine these six questions more closely…

WHO wrote it? Authority Who wrote the pages? Is that person/organization an expert? Is a biography of the author included? How can you find out more about the author? Is contact information given?

WHAT is the Web site about? Accuracy What does the author say is the purpose of the site? What else might the author have in mind for the site? What makes the site easy to use? Does the information check out with other online or print sources? Are there links to reputable sources?

WHEN was it made? Currency When was the site created? When was the site last updated?

WHERE did it come from? Objectivity Where can I look to find out more about the producer/sponsor? Does the page show bias or try to convince you of something? Is there advertising on the page?

WHY should you use it? Coverage Why is this information useful for my purpose? Why is this page better than another source?

HOW does it look and work? Presentation Is the information organized and arranged well? Is the design comfortable to use with no glaring distractions? Is the page easily navigable? Are there missing or broken links ?

Using Sources and Resources While the Internet (or World Wide Web) is a fantastic tool for research, don’t forget that the library offers a wide variety of research materials including audiovisuals, books, and journals. You can even use these other sources to help you verify information and make an informed decision regarding a Website.

Real… or not? You decide.

References Bloom, B. S. (1984). Taxonomy of educational objectives [Adaptation]. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved June 19, 2007 from http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/program/hndouts/bloom.html Kent State University Library & Media Services (1999). Criteria for evaluating web resources. Kent, OH: Kent State University. Retrieved June 18, 2007 from http://www.library.kent.edu/page/10475 Brummitt, J. (2002). On a good Web site you can tell … Chapel Hill, NC: Mary Scroggs Elementary. Retrieved June 19, 2007, from http://kathyschrock.net/abceval/primary/index.htm Valenza, J. (2001). Evaluating web sites. Erdenheim, PA: Springfield Township High School Library. Retrieved June 19, 2007 from http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/ Bloom, B. S. (1984). Taxonomy of educational objectives [Adaptation]. Boston: Allyn and Bacon. Retrieved June 19, 2007 from http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/program/hndouts/bloom.html