Slide 1
Evaluating Web Sites1The Internet is a great place to find
information. But, has anyone ever told you not to believe
everything you read? Web Sites are Information Resources
2Anyone can post information on the Internet!3
I have SO much to teach people .MUAH HA HA!I can help with
that!4For Example5
This site says the sun is ready to blow up!6Therefore, you must
carefully evaluate web site information before you use it.7What
Does it Mean to Evaluate a Web Site?Lets look at the
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary definition for the word evaluate.
When you evaluate a web site, you will decide if it presents
accurate, up-to-date, unbiased and informative content. Basically,
you will look at it carefully and decide if it is a good web site
or not.
8How Do You Evaluate a Web Site?Today we are going to look at
three main methods of evaluating web sites. The three main methods
are:
1. Identify the author.2. Look for any bias that might be
present. 3. Check to see if the site has been updated recently.
9Identify the Author
Who wrote this?Web sites should clearly name the author of the
information you are reading. Contact information for the author
should be provided. At the bare minimum, an e-mail should be
provided. Find out the authors qualifications. Are they experts in
the field, do they have valuable experience, or are they
unqualified. Type their name into Google and see what you find out.
10Look for BiasOnce you can identify the author and their
qualifications, ask yourself what the authors purpose is. Is the
authors goal to educate you about a certain topic, sell you
something, or to persuade you to think a certain way. Some web
sites are written with an obvious or subtle preference towards a
particular idea or opinion. They present only the information that
supports their point of view.
Be Careful! Look for sites that are free from judgment and are
balanced in their presentation of information. 11How Can You
Identify Bias?Look carefully at the words the author uses. Does the
author use words that have a negative connotation? Remember, words
are powerful, you can tell a lot about an author by their choice of
words.Does the author appeal to your emotions? Do they use
information to manipulate your feelings and use that to get you on
their side. Does the author use force to get you to agree with
them? Does the author make their views seem like the popular
choice? 12Tips A web sites top-level domain name is a clue to the
type of information you will find there. The most common top-level
domain names are :.com indicates a commercial business.edu
indicates a school, such as a university.gov indicates a U.S.
government agency.org indicates a non-profit organization, but be
careful because non-profit has a broad meaning. 13Has the Web Site
Been Updated?Look for web sites that have timely information. New
information may not be reflected in a web site that has not been
recently updated. Look around the home page, usually near the
bottom of the screen, for the Last Update information. 14Web Site
Evaluation QuizNow you will have the opportunity to show what youve
learned about evaluating a web site.
Read the question then click on your answer choice. Try again if
you make a mistake by clicking on the left arrow. Click on the
right arrow for the next question. Lets get started
Dont forget to use the arrows!15Question 1A web site that only
identifies the author as WebRobert is a good site for acquiring
valuable information.
True
False16RememberAnyone with access to a computer and the Internet
can post information. Be smart about what you believe! 32
