Evaluating+Sites

http://novemberlearning.com/educational-resources-for-educators/information-literacy-resources/

1. What do you think about the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus? Do you think they exist? Is this a real website? 2. What makes this website convincing? 3. What are the clues that point to this site being a fake? 4. What do you think is the overall objective of this site?

[] Username //marlboronj// Password //learn//
 * Watch Brain Pop Video**

NYTimes Lesson =Part 2 - Is it REAL or FAKE?=

Who

 * Is there an author or editor listed?
 * Is there biographical information given for the author?
 * What authority does this person have for presenting this information? (i.e. are they a teacher, historian, etc.)
 * Who publishes this site? Is there contact info? Is there "About Us" listed?
 * Is the publisher a reliable source? Do you recognize the name of the group?

What

 * Does the information appear to be accurate based on what you already know?
 * Is the information backed up with support from research, data, expert testimony, etc.?
 * Is a works cited/bibliography presented so you know where the information came from?
 * Does the information answer what you are seeking to find out?
 * Is the information fact or fiction? Can you tell right away (satire, spoofs) or is it purposefully deceptive?

Where

 * How did I get here?
 * What server hosts this page? Look at your URL to find out.
 * 1) .edu=educational sites
 * 2) .com=commercial sites
 * 3) .gov=government sites
 * 4) .net=sites anyone can create
 * Example: Whitehouse.net v. whitehouse.gov
 * Is this info from a wiki, blog, or other "write in" site?
 * Be careful with sites that allow users to add in their own information such as Wikipedia or Answers.com.



When

 * Can you find a date for page's creation?
 * Can you find a date for the last update of the page?
 * Does currency matter for the topic you are researching?
 * Do the links work or are they broken?

Why

 * What is the author's purpose? (persuage, inform, debate, etc.)
 * If an argument is presented, is it balanced or one-sided?
 * Does the author exaggerate to sway your viewpoint? (look for words like, ALL, NEVER, ALWAYS, etc.)