Evaluating Websites - Activity (PowerPoint Presentation)

1. Credible Websites vs. Wikipedia: The Battle

Wikipedias definition of itself from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia#Reliability As a
consequence of the open structure, Wikipedia "makes no guarantee of validity" of its content,
since no one is ultimately responsible for any claims appearing in it. Concerns have been raised
regarding the lack of accountability that results from users' anonymity, the insertion of spurious
information, vandalism, and similar problems.
2. The Battle Continues Why not Wikipedia?
The main reason is because it is a website where many contributors have access to it, hence
wiki!
Wikis are generally user-maintained. Despite the fact that much of the information here is
considered correct, according to website evaluation it is not the most credible source on the
internetwell go over this more next. This information can be changed, updated and added to
by multiple users. It may be a .org now but it is becoming easier to have .org websites so their
credentials may not be up to the standards once considered for. orgs.
3. What to look for in a credible website: Who, What, Where, When & Why? The 5 Ws
are a good place to start Who? (Authority)
Who is the author? Is the authors email address given? Can you contact the author? Who created
the page? Is there an organization that the author is affiliated with?
4. What? (Content)
What is the website about? What is the purpose of the website? What makes this website userfriendly? What resources are given for further research/interest? Is the information biased? What
is the? (.com, Edu, .org, etc.)
5. Where? (Sources Cited)
Where did the information come from (does the author give a works cited)? Where can more
information about the sponsor or the site or author be found?
6. When? (Copyright, Updates)
When was the website created? When was the site last updated?
7. Why? (Technical Aspects & Purpose)
Why is this information useful for my project research? Why should I use this website over
another one? Why should I use this information as a resource?
8. Wikipedia loses the battleWebsite Credibility Wins!

Why are credible websites better than Wikipedia? No authors are listed on Wikipedia. Updates
are often, but it is unknown by whom and their credentials and ability to contact authors.
Information is known to be biased on Wikipedia as it is a user-contributed site
9. Fun Tools for Website Evaluation
Web Evaluation Wizard- http://21cif.com/tools/evaluate/ Critical Evaluation of a Web Site
Secondary School Level http://school.discoveryeducation.co m/schrockguide/pdf/evalhigh.pdf