The task for this weeks class was to view a website, and give our initial reactions to it. The purpose of the assignment was for us to think about how to determine if a website is credible. The internet is one of the main sources of information for most school papers, assignments, and research. It is very important to be able to tell when the information that you are reading is likely to be accurate and credible. It is important to be a bit skeptical, and aware of the fact that much of the information that we read on the internet does not come from a reliable source. As future teachers this is important because our students will be using the internet to do research, and find information for school assignments. Students are also using the internet to find answers to questions outside of school. It is crucial that we give our students the information necessary, so that they are informed about how to determine if a website is credible, and understand how to tell if they should believe the information given or not. The following are a few basic tips and guidelines for determining the legitimacy of a website.
1.) URL addresses that contain a ~ means that an individual published the site. Individual publishers that are not affiliated with a credible corporation, can have their own agendas, and might not have the most accurate information.
2.) Check the publishing date. The more recent the more credible.
3.) Determine the sites purpose. Sites that are trying to sell the reader something or ask the reader to sign up for something are unlikely to present unbiased, neutral information.
4.) A credible website will list contact information and resources. This allows the reader to verify information, shows that there is a real organization behind what is being published, and highlights the expertise of the organization.
5.) Determine who the author is, and what the qualifications of the author are. Example- Anyone can post on Wikipedia!
6.) Determine if the content is fact or opinion.
7.) Ask yourself how rich the information is. Does it answer all of your questions, is it detailed? How does it match up with other information that you have read?
8.) A website with spelling and grammar mistakes is unlikely to be credible
9.) Google now automatically offers a warning of malicious sights. Look for this when searching on Google, and ignore sights that have any warnings!
10.) Analyze the URL:
.com = company
.edu = a university or college
.gov = government
.mil = military (U.S.)
.net = internet service provider
.org = not for profit organization
References:
Ehow. How to Determine Website Credibility. Retrieved January 31, 2011 from http://www.ehow.com/how_2112227_determine-website-credibility.html
Ron Castel Webs. Website Credibility:Evaluating Websites for Credibility or Validity. Retrived January 31, 2011, from http://www.roncastle.com/website-credibility.htm
Assessing Website Credibility. Authority of the Author/Sponsorship. Is the Information Developed and Published by a Credible Source? Retreieved January 31 2011, from http://www.nicholls.edu/pt3/Hurricane/website_credibility.htm
I agree that as future teachers it is important for us to remember to teach our kids to evaluate websites - there is so much information out there!!!
ReplyDeleteGood call ladies. Students are using websites more and more for their assignments and they need to learn how to critically think about what they're reading. Classrooms are becoming more technology oriented but like with any tool, you have to be responsible when you use it.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great list that you posted there. I have never thought of the fact that websites that require visitors to sign up will have biased information. Great point!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Alexa!! Students and professionals should really be made more aware of proper use of internet for research. I have found these tips really helpful and actually knew close to none of those facts before. Not only was that insightful, but it was also productive and proactive.
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