Key Ideas

graphic representation of key ideas
  1. Relevancy/Purpose: Determine whether the main purpose of the site is to inform or to persuade (advocate for a cause).

  2. Authority/Publisher: The best sites are produced by those who have appropriate education, training, or experience to write with authority on a particular topic.  Check site documents or external sources to find out more about the author(s).

  3. Objectivity: Consider whether content appears biased.  Does the author have a "vested interest" in the topic?  Look for documentation of claims and a balanced point of view.

  4. Coverage: Shop around for the best source for the information you seek. You can compare the page to others on the same topic to see which provides better coverage.

  5. Currency: If you are looking for the most current information on a topic, be sure to determine when material was added or updated.

  6. Recognition: Try to determine whether the site has been recognized as exemplary, either in reviews or by others linking to it.

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Next: Part 1- Relevancy/Purpose

Evaluating Web Sites

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