#5
Selecting Resources
EVALUATING WEBSITESThe Internet provides volumes of information! While it is a source of much information, you need to BEWARE! Anyone is capable of publishing information on the Internet. It is important that you carefully screen the websites you select for information to include in your research project.
As you look for information on the Internet, there are many questions you should ask yourself when searching, choosing, and evaluating websites.
SEARCHING:
Are you looking for information using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo?
Use keywords that will limit your searches to what you are actually looking for.
HINT: Type the subject "in quotes" and add a keyword that will limit the search.
examples: Want information about the life of Albert Einstein? "albert einstein" biography
Looking for the history of the Silk Road? "silk road" history
Need information on a current event? "katrina hurricane" news
CHOOSING:
To help you choose which website will be most helpful, look at the URL (address)
Who is the intended audience for your website?
EVALUATING:
Adapted 2006 from Charlotte Brown, Greely Middle School Llibrary, MSAD#51
Are you looking for information using a search engine such as Google or Yahoo?
Use keywords that will limit your searches to what you are actually looking for.
HINT: Type the subject "in quotes" and add a keyword that will limit the search.
examples: Want information about the life of Albert Einstein? "albert einstein" biography
Looking for the history of the Silk Road? "silk road" history
Need information on a current event? "katrina hurricane" news
CHOOSING:
To help you choose which website will be most helpful, look at the URL (address)
- What is the domain ending? .edu .org .net .com .gov ~ .k12
- What kind of domain, or website, might be the best selection for your assignment?
Who is the intended audience for your website?
- Is it written for experts? Is it too technical or hard to understand?
- Is it aimed at elementary students? Is there enough information and detail?
- Is the website trying to sell you books, or artwork on your topic? Is is a commercial rather than an informational site?
EVALUATING:
- What organization or person created this website?
- Can you tell if the creator is an expert on the subject? Are qualifications listed?
- Is the site current? Is there a date listed? Are the links still active?
- Why do you thing the website was created? to inform? to persuade? to sell a product? to entertain?
- Is the creator objective? Is the creator trying to sway your opinion or sell you something? Is the site biased in its viewpoint?
- Does the website give you an e-mail address, phone number, or mailing address so you can contact the creator?
- Do you think you can rely on the accuracy of the information in this website?
- Is there advertising? Does it distract you from finding your information?
- Why is the website helpful (or not helpful) for your project?
Adapted 2006 from Charlotte Brown, Greely Middle School Llibrary, MSAD#51