Computer Technology Standard

Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic information sources

English Language ArtsWriting: Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source;and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.

Why evaluate a website? Anyone can create a website!

How do you know the author of the website is an expert?

How to you know the information is up to date?

How do you know the information is accurate and what you need?

The 5 Ws of website evaluationWho

What

When

Where

Why

Who: Who wrote the web pages?

Are they an expert on this topic?

How can I find out about the author?

“about us” section

Is there a way to contact the author?

Email or telephone

What: What is the purpose of the site?

Is there advertising on the site?

Does the site reflect bias or opinion?

What makes the site easy to navigate?

When: When was the site created?

When was the site last updated?

Are the links on the site up to date and working?

Are there dead links?

Where: Where does the information come from? Check the URL (Web address) What is the domain?

.gov – government site .edu – educational institution .org – non-profit sites, charities (but not always!) .com – commercial, business site .net – anyone can buy this kind of site

Why: Why is this information useful for my purpose?

Why should I use this website instead of another?

Task Work with a partner to complete the evaluation

checklist on your assigned website.

Decide if your assigned website is reliable or unreliable – Yes or No

Explain your decision:

Is it a trustworthy and useful site?

Would it be a good website to use for information and research?

Putting the 5 Ws to work Remember the 5 Ws:

Who wrote the web pages?

What is the purpose of the website?

When was the site created and updated?

Where does the information on the site come from?

Why is this information useful for my purpose?+

References Schrock, Kathy. The 5 Ws of website evaluation. The

Schrock Guide, 2009. Web. 19 Jan. 2015.