1. WEBSITE EVALUATION

2. Focus Questions: Why do we need to evaluate websites?
How can I tell if a website is a reliable source of information?

3. Why do we need to evaluate websites?
The Internet is a very valuable source of information but we always have to remember that some websites are not completely reliable.
The internet has no editor and anyone can publish what they want, when the want.
This picture was circulated over the internet and was believed to be real by millions, however it is simply a very good Photoshop job!

4. Some websites might easily be identified as a hoax or a fake, like the one below…

5. Or this one, which encourages the purchase and use of dehydrated water.

6. However, some false information on websites is a lot harder to spot
However, some false information on websites is a lot harder to spot. On the surface this website looks real…
Plausible URL
Page Options
Professional Layout
Login Options

7. …it is only when you explore the types of services this “hospital” provides, that you realise that this website is a fake.

8. This website contains factual information about robots in the Victorian Era …

9. …it even includes pictures to back up various statements, for example the website states…
The Boilerplate robot served in the Spanish American War and World War 1.

10. Filtering through the trash…
As we have seen, some websites have information that is not true.
It is very important to know how to critically evaluate websites to establish whether it is a reliable source, especially when researching information for your assignments.

11. How can I tell if a website is a reliable source of information?
In order to establish whether or not a website is a reliable source, we can the following acronym:
Currency
Authority
Reliability
Motive
Ease of Use
Depth of Coverage

12. Currency Questions to ask:
When was the website last revised, modified or updated?
Is the site well maintained?
Is it possible the information could be out of date?

13. Authority Questions to ask:
Who are the authors of the Web page, or who is responsible for it?
What gives them their authority or expertise to write about the topic? Education? Experience?

14. A tip for establishing Authority…
Look at the domain extension
- Only government and schools can use these:
.edu = educational institution
.gov = government site
- Anyone can obtain and use these:
.com = commercial
.org = organisation
.net = network

15. Reliability Questions to ask:
Does the source present a particular point of view? Is the information biased?
Does the author use extreme or exaggerated language?
Is the information documented/supported with evidence?

16. Motive Questions to ask: What is the purpose of the website
Who is the intended audience?

17. Ease of Use Questions to ask:
Is the website easy to read and navigate?
Is the website well designed and organised?
Are there any spelling/grammatical errors?
Is there a HELP or search function available?

18. Depth of coverage Questions to ask:
Does this site address the topic you are researching?
Is the information basic and brief or detailed and intellectual?

19. Test your understanding
Smart Board Quiz

20. Activity Instructions:
Choose ONE of the following websites and complete the website evaluation sheet.
Velcro Crop
The Biology of Vampires
Left Handed Whopper
Dog Island
Al Foil Beanie