4. 68% of students say they would like to know how to tell if online information is true. Young Canadians in a Wired World – Phase II Student Survey, 2005
5. Where to start Determine what information is needed. How detailed? Use past experiences. Already trusted sites. Perform specific searches. Choose a site.
6. EVALUATE Immense amount of resources Anyone can post information Don’t believe everything you read Ask 5 Questions
7. Authority Is the website creator knowledgeable? Who is the author? Is he or she affiliated with an organization or institution? Are contacts provided?
8. Accuracy How reliable is the information? Does the information make sense? Is it knowledgeable? Error-free? Are sources/references provided?
9. Objectivity Is the site informative, and bias-free? Is the author merely giving his/her opinion? Are both sides of the issue presented? Is any information left out?
10. Currency Is the website recent and relevant? When was the site created? When was it last updated? Are links current and working?
11. Usability How user-friendly is the site? Is it organized, uncluttered, and simple? Can you gain information easily? Is a table of contents provided?
13. References Beck, Susan E. (2009) Evaluation Criteria - Why It's a Good Idea to Evaluate Web Sources. Retrieved from http://lib.nmsu.edu/instruction/evalcrit.html#coverage Media Awareness Network. (2010). Fact or Folly: Authenticating Online Information.Retrieved from http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/teachers/wa_teachers/fact_or_folly_teachers/index.cfm Media Awareness Network. (2005). Young Canadians in a Wired World - Phase II. [Survey PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/research/YCWW/phaseII/upload/YCWWII_Student_Survey.pdf O'Neill, Ann B. (2004) Trash or Treasure? How to Evaluate Internet Resources. Retrieved from http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/models/tips/eval.html#kinds
Editor's Notes
Authenticity – accurate in representation; something that is truthful, genuine, trustworthy, reliable.
