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 Selection & omission Placement Headlines and photos, camera angels: http://www.velocityassociates.net/Bushkerry.shtml
Use of statistics and skewed survey questions 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?
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