How to evaluate websites and characteristics of good website design. Used for lecturing undergrad students in Introduction to Internet and World Wide Web.

1. Objectives
 To learn the importance of validating web sources.
 To evaluate websites.
 To identify at least three types of websites.
 To explain at least three characteristics of good website
design.
Website Evaluation

2. Why Website Evaluation?
 There are countless websites out there.
 We need to distinguish between trash and
treasure
 There are also hoax cites

3. Types of Webpages
 Advocacy
An advocacy webpage is one sponsored by an
organization to influence opinion. The URL usually ends
in .org. example- http://www.jamentrust.org/
 Business and Marketing
A business or marketing webpage is one sponsored by a
commercial enterprise that is typically trying to sell or
market their services/products. The URL address usually
ends in .com
 News
A news webpage is one whose purpose is to provide
timely information about current events and issues. The
URL address usually ends in .com

4. Types of Webpages
 Informational
An information webpage's purpose is to present
factual information. This includes reports, research
findings, and general topical information. The URL
address frequently ends with .edu or.gov. Example:
http://www.mof.gov.jm/
 Personal
A personal webpage is created by an individual for
his/her own personal need. The URL often has a
tilde (~) somewhere in the address.

5. Elements of Good Website Design
 Appearance- use of colour, text, graphics, simplicity
 Content- Organized, updated
 Functionality- Does everything work correctly? Search
window, hyperlinks, registration, etc.
 Usability- minimal scroll, consistent layout, simplicity, fast
loading pages
 Search engine optimization- frequent use of
keywords, ensuring written information is in html format

6. ABC’s of
Website Evaluation
A = Author
Is there an author?
Is the author qualified to write about the particular subject?
Can the information be verified?
B = Bias
Is information presented in a fair and objective way?
Is the page riddled with unnecessary advertising?
C= Content
Is the information relevant, believable and useful to you?

7. ABC’s of Website Evaluation
D= Dates
Does the webpage show the date when it was created
and last updated?
Is it regularly maintained/ updated?
Is the information current?
E= Editor
Does the webpage have an editor?
Does the webpage have reputable sponsors? Eg. Govt.
agencies or universities
Does the webpage have a bibliography?

8. Some more Clues
 Look at the Internet Address Ending
.com = commercial site (www.soccer.com)
.org = non profit organization (http://soccer.org)
.edu = educational site by an educational institution (www.themico.edu.jm)
.net = network of organizations (www.veniceshopping.net)
.mil = military organizations (www.navy.mil)
.ma .us = geographically based website
(www.manchester.ma.us) vs. (www.manchesteronline.co.uk)
.gov = government website (www.moe.gov.jm)

9. Where Should You Go?
You are given the task of creating an ad against child abuse.
Determine which of the following sites would be helpful and
justify your choice:
 http://letterstotheeditorblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/child-abuse-is-predictable-and-preventable.html/
 http://www.helpguide.org/
 http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/
 http://www.ocr.gov.jm/
 https://www.childwelfare.gov
 http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20140414/letters/letters1.html
 http://www.yourtango.com/2014213227/abusive-relationships-bikers-against-child-abuse-BACA-
empowering-children
 http://tobaccofreekids.org/
 http://www.houstonchronicle.com/
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_abuse

10. What Did You Learn?