Website Evaluation “Cautious Consumption of Information” Kristine Woods, Media Specialist Teasley Middle School

Internet: The Be All End All for Information? The author is a doctor, the info must be good All information on the Internet is reliable Everything on the Internet is current info I don’t need to check the facts, they’re on the Internet The info on the first search hit is all I need to know

Healthy Skepticism Internet is open to all… Use critical thinking to question information you find on the Internet

Website Evaluation

How do I critically evaluate a website? 5 W’s Who What When Where Why

Video

WHO? a.k.a Authority Is it clear who has written the information? Author’s name and qualifications Biography of author Link to main organization’s page Phone number or address Is material copyrighted Domain type – look at URL Check it out!

WHAT? a.k.a Coverage and Accuracy What is the purpose/aim of the site? Can the info be verified elsewhere? Fulfill purpose/aim Ease of use Audience for info Quality Sources of info, verifiable Charts/Graphs clearly labeled Check it out!

WHEN? a.k.a Currency When was the site created? Updated? Dates – written, uploaded, revised Indications info kept current Data gathered timeframe Check it out!

WHERE? a.k.a Objectivity Where does the info come from? More info on sponsor – where is it Public service info Advertising vs. Info content Bias or Balanced view fact or opinion Credibility fact or fiction Common sense Check it out!

WHY? a.k.a Relevancy Does the site help me answer my question? List five things you want to know from site Info useful to me? Should I use it? Better than another source? Advice, other ideas Check it out! READ DISCLAIMER

Dog Island Search

How do you cite a web page? Title of Internet site. Site author (if known). Date created. Sponsoring organization. Access date. Dog Island Free Forever The Dog Island. 30 October

Now you try… n.htm n.htm

3-2-1 Evaluation Three things I learned today Two things I still have questions about One comment about today’s lesson

Bibliography Evaluating Web Resources Alexander, J. and Tate, M. 10 October Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask Regents of the University of California. 10 October The Five W’s of Web Site Evaluation Schrock, Kathy. 10 October ICYouSee: T is for Thinking Henderson, John R. 10 October The Quality Information Checklist HDA and CHIQ. 24 October