Web Literacy Presentation2

ONLINE!

HOW TO EVALUATE A WEBSITE

TimelinessAccuracyAuthoritativenessPurpose of website

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Remember: Always look for bias in these areas!

TIMELINESS OF WEB SITE

Is the information presented up to date?This is especially important regarding topics where

information changes frequently.

How often is website or web page updated?When was the website or web page last

updated?

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ACCURACY

Are sources of information cited?Is the information and data correct?Is language used in website neutral or

reflect an opinion?

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ACCURACY OF INFORMATIONEXAMPLE 1

Is website below likely to provide unbiased information? Notice use of images and text.

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AUTHORITATIVENESS

Is it clear who is the author(s) of the web page?

What are the qualifications of the author(s)?

Are sources of information cited?Is there contact information?

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AUTHORITATIVENESS EXAMPLE 1

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Web page areas like those shown below indicate who created the website

AUTHORITATIVENESSEXAMPLE 2

Example shown below has link to article’s information sources

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PURPOSE OF WEBSITE

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● Is the purpose of the website clearly stated?

● Is it clear whether the site is providing information or selling a product/service?

● Does the website present a particular viewpoint or perspective?

WEB SITE PURPOSEEXAMPLE 1

Arab news channel Al-Jazeera features video shown below. Does this indicate a viewpoint?

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WEB SITE PURPOSEEXAMPLE 2

Website author is providing information and selling his own services.

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ACCURACYExample 1

Websites can misquote their sources or use information out of context to make a point.

A non-partisan website,Factcheck.org, contains examples of inaccurate information. (See below)

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SUMMARY OF POINTS

Timeliness of information and frequency of website updates

Accuracy of information on a websiteAuthoritativeness of who is putting the

information on a websitePurpose of website. Is it informational or

persuasive?

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You Can Evaluate Web Sites by:

For more information on evaluating information on the Internetsee the following links:

http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.htmlhttp://library.albany.edu/usered/webeval/yes1.html