Website Evaluation

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Website Evaluation
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• Believe half of what you see and none of what you
  hear. Latin proverb, author unknown

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Is it credible?

• While researching an assignment on the auto
  industry, Amber found this fact. She is
  considering using it in her paper.

• Chicken feathers can be used in the production of
  automobiles.
• TRUE or FALSE

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TRUE!

• Strange but true. This fact was reported in
• Martindale, D. (2000) Car parts from chickens.
  Scientific American, 282(4). 26

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When evaluating websites, ask yourself 5 easy
questions.

• WHAT
• WHEN
• WHY
• HOW
• WHO

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WHAT

• Is the site intended for a particular audience?
• What is the point of providing the information?
• If there is an issue, are both sides presented?
• Does it provide general or comprehensive
  information?

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Dihydrogen Monoxide
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WHY

• Is the information biased or does it push a
  specific perspective?
• Does the site contain advertising?
• If there are ads, is there a conflict of interest
  between them and the content?

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Dihydrogen Monoxide
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WHEN

• Is it clear when the information was published?
• When was it last updated?
• If there are links to other websites, do they
  work?

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Dihydrogen Monoxide
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HOW

• Is the site easy to navigate?
• Are there obvious errors or typos?
• Can factual information be verified using other
  sources?

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Dihydrogen Monoxide
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WHO

• Is the author identified?
• What makes him an expert?
• Is the author with a reputable organization?
• Can you verify the credentials or contact
  information?

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Dihydrogen Monoxide
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• Believe half of what you see and none of what you
  hear. Latin proverb, author unknown

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So where should I go?

• Horizon Information Portal http//pages.cms.k12.nc
  .us/neldasmith/horizon.html
• NCwiseowl www.ncwiseowl.org
• Public Library www.plcmc.org
• Websites Internet public library www.ipl.org,