Got Internet? - Regional School District 15
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Transcript Got Internet? - Regional School District 15
Evaluating the Quality
of Information Found
on the Internet
Created by Liza Zandonella,
Library Media Specialist
Start With a Reliable Source
Databases offer a wide variety of resources,
originally in print, having passed rigorous
editorial review, are referenced
Websites not always active, current or
updated, some of questionable quality,
subject to misinformation, bias, etc.
Databases geared directly toward curriculum
Use Good Search Strategies
Don’t guess at a URL
Use search engines
Watch spelling
Use keywords associated with topic
Syntax (quotes around phrases, etc.)
Wikipedia(mania)
Pros…in a perfect world
User
friendly
Some entries written by experts in field
References cited
External links for more information
Cons
Open
to informational vandalism
Misinformation
Propaganda
/ bias
USE MULTIPLE SOURCES!!!
Corroborate
Validate
Evaluate for appropriateness
(does the source meet your
information needs?)
Critically Evaluate
Authority
Accuracy
Objectivity
Currency
Authority
Is there an author / contact info., “about us”, “our
mission”, etc.?
What are their credentials?
Is author’s point of view / bias apparent?
Are they affiliated with an organization, corporation or
institution?
http://www.rythospital.com/
What is the purpose of the website (to sell, persuade,
educate, etc.)?
Who is the intended audience?
Who links to this page? (Google
link:www.pomperaug.com)
Accuracy
Ask
youself
Where
does the information come from?
Are references cited?
Can the information be proven, corroborated
elsewhere?
Is seeing believing?:
http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/blshark
attack.htm
Objectivity
Ask Yourself:
Is the source biased? Obvious and not so obvious
Is the site sponsored?
DON”T ALWAYS TRUST A URL – (.edu/~johndoe…,
http://www.martinlutherking.org/ )
What sources were used to gather information?
What sites does this site link to?
Selection & omission
Placement
Headlines and photos, camera angels:
http://www.velocityassociates.net/Bushkerry.shtml
Use of statistics and skewed survey questions
Currency
Is
the information up to date?
Is there a date of last revision?
Are links still active?
Always Credit Sources Used
SITE THOSE SOURCES!!!
Responsible use of information
Enables you to return to the site quickly if
you need more info.
Adds credibility to you and your work