Evaluating Web Sites

Teaching students to evaluate web sites is a very important facet of their digital education. One must first learn to read the web address and at least have a basic knowledge of what all the separate parts of the address indicate. Secondly, good Internet searchers try to find out about the author or publisher of the site. This informaiton is a good indication of how authentic the information contained in the site is. Who IS responsible for the page you are accessing? The GOV and EDU hostnames are generally trustworthy. The NET, ORG, MIL, and COM domains may have an agenda they are pushing. Responsible Internet searchers also check that the web site provides the following vital information: last date page updated, a mail-to link for questions, and the name, address, telephone number and email address of the page owner. Also, what are the credentials of the page owner that is supplying you with this information? What authority does this person have? Fourth, the searcher should check the site content. Not all web sites are set up for the same reasons. Many people want you to buy something or for you to support some cause. Don't believe everything your read! Web sites are difficult to regulate. Check out who sponsors the page or who is linking to the page. This will tell you something about the credibility of the page owner. Most importantly, watch for frauds and hoaxes. There's nothing some people would love more thant to fool and unsuspecting person into giving them money. Finally, one needs to check the stability of the web page. What is there today may not be there tomorrow. Keep a back up of what you find to verify sources later if need be.