Top 10 Reasons to Evaluate Websites

The list I have come up with for reasons to evaluate websites is as follows - they are not in any specific order:

Accuracy - is the info correct and accurate? Are there links to other accurate sites to support the information on this site? Check out the information - make sure it is good and accurate.

Appropriateness - is the site safe and appropriate for use by the age group intending to use it? Make sure this is a safe website before allowing it to be accessed.

Authority - is the author an authority on the topic, are they credible and what credentials do they have? Is it easy to find their credentials? Make sure the author is trustworthy.

Objectivity - is the information being presented in an unbiased manner or is this website a platform for the author's personal opinions? If you are looking for real facts and information, then the website should not be a personal platform.

Currency - are the dates current, does it look like the site is kept updated with changing/new information? Make sure that the information is being kept current.

Coverage - how much depth of information is there on the website about the subject being presented? Does the site meet your needs or the needs of the students using it? Make sure the site will provide you or your students with the information they are looking for - make sure it is thorough.

Ease of use - how easy is it to use the website? You want a website that is easy to navigate and does not take forever to open.

What is the intended audience - does the website read and present appropriately for the audience it is intended to be utilized by? Make sure the information is age-appropriate for the audience it is intened for - if it reads over their heads or below their level, it is most likely not a good resource. Don't be afraid to ask the author about this - why it doesn't seem to correlate.

What is the websites purpose - is this site meant to teach the user information or is it trying to sell you something or get you to download something from their site? If it is meant to give information, they you should not have to buy something.

Is the site accessible to all students, including those with special needs - can the site be utilized by all who look at it or does it only provide information in written text, or only via graphics, or only via voice? If you know the site will not work for some students, keep looking - and don't be afraid to let the author know that they are missing a population of their audience by not providing the information in different formats.

Can I share this with other people - check out your information before passing it on - if you feel comfortable with the answers to your evaluation process - then share the info, if you do not feel comfortable, it most likely is not something that would be good to pass on to another user.