evaluating internet sites with info on how search engines work

Evaluating Internet SitesSchool Name

Where do you go to do research?

Research Project

• You have been asked to research Martin Luther Martin Luther KingKing and type his name in Google – one of the first results is:

www.martinlutherking.org

• Is it a good source?

How do search engines work?

From: http://computer.howstuffworks.com/search-engine1.htm

How much for that Keyword?

• Video - Bidding on keywords

Buying Keywords

• How much does a keyword cost?

Paid resultsPaid results

Computer Computer Generated Generated Results – Results – based on based on keywords keywords and and popularity popularity (Pagerank)(Pagerank)

Evaluating a website

Check for• Authority

• Objectivity/Bias

• Content and Accuracy

• Currency

Check for Authority

• Who is the author of the site?• What is the authority or

expertise of the individual or group?• What else comes up when you

type the author’s name into a search engine?

• Does the source have a political or business agenda?

Objectivity/Bias• Check for any indication of bias• Look at the domain address:

.edu educational site ~ personal web page

.gov government site

.uk British site

.org organization or advocacy group

.ca Canadian site

.com commercial site

Objectivity/Bias

• What is the purpose of the site?• Does the source have a political or

business agenda?

• Is there an organization sponsoring the site?• sponsored by a political, business or

advocacy group? If so, what can you find out about that group?

Objectivity/Bias

• Who is the intended audience?

• Is the information free from advertising?

Content and Accuracy

• Is the information well researched and useful for you?

Content and Accuracy

• Can the information be verified using another source?

• Is there documentation to indicate the sources of the information• Does the site provide a list of sources or

a Works Cited page?• Can you locate any of the source

material? How reliable is this material?

Content and Accuracy

• Have you heard about the dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide?

Content and Accuracy

• Links• Are there links to other

credible sites with additional information?

• Does the site provide a link for emailing the author or webmaster?

• Did you reach this site through a reputable link?

Research

• You found this site on famous explorers for your history project

• Is it a good source?

www.allaboutexplorers.com

Research

• You found this site for your science project

• Is it a good source?

www.malepregnancy.com

Currency• Does the site clearly

state a date of creation or a date for the most recent update?

• Does the information cover recent changes or advances in the field or topic you are researching?

SummaryAny website you use must be

evaluated- check for:• Authority• Objectivity/Bias• Content and Accuracy• Currency

Use authoritative sources (example – online encyclopedias and databases) whenever possible)

Some examples of authoritative Some examples of authoritative sites…sites…