Evaluating a Web Page

Your Name ______Date ______Course ______

Evaluating a Web Page

Name of web page ______

http:// ______

Authority

1. Is an author’s name provided? Y N If yes, what is the name? ______If not listed, check “About” or “Contact.” If these aren’t available, try to shorten the web address back to the home page. (Example: http://www.amatecon.com/greatdepression.html - look at http://www.amatecon.com.)

2. How do you know the author is an expert on your topic? Circle all information that applies;

occupation experience position education accomplishments

Give proof: explain why he/she is an expert?

3. Is the site associated with an organization or institution? Y N If yes, list the name of the organization and circle

the type of organization. ______

government university advocacy group other ______

4. If the page is lacking an author and organization, is there another way to determine its origin?

Please describe ______

If not, don’t use it.

Accuracy of Content

1.  Is there an editor or someone who verifies the information? Y N

2.  Does the site agree with other information that you have found in books, periodicals, online sources? Y N

3.  Is a works cited (or bibliography) provided? Y N

Objectivity

1.  Does the site present a biased perspective on the topic? (Does the writer rely on emotion, language or

unsubstantiated statements to get the message across? Does the site offer only one viewpoint?) Y N

2. Does this site try to sell anything? Is there advertising on this page? Y N

Currency

1. Is the page dated? Y N If yes, what is the date? ______

2. Has the page been updated? Y N If yes, when was the last update? ______

3. Are there links to other sites? Y N If yes, are they helpful? Y N

4. Are the links “active” (try at least 2 or 3 links – have the linked sites been moved or no longer exist)? Y N

APPEARANCE

1. Are there more than 3 errors in grammar or spelling? Y N

2. Is the site easy to use? Y N

Coverage

1. Is the information well written and easy to understand? Y N

2. Is the material sufficiently in-depth for your needs? Y N

3.  What information does this page offer that is not found elsewhere? ______

4. This site provides access to: (check all that apply)

research information ___ links to related information ___ student projects ___

questions and answers ___ multimedia elements ___ material for teachers ___

interactivities ___ communication with experts ____ advertisements ___

graphics ___ other ______

5.  What types of information/resources are located on the site?

Photos _____ Text/Documents _____ Maps ____

Movies _____ Sound recordings _____ Other (describe) ______

Evaluation

After thinking about the above questions, decide how useful this website is for your project. Record your evaluation here, giving reason(s) for your rating (consider website content, design, interactive communications, documentation, and links to related topics/sites).

This website was/was not useful because ______

______

______

______

Overall Rating: 5 4 3 2 1

High Low

Instructional Media Center, Hunterdon Central Regional High School, 2002, updated 10/07