Homework
Evaluating Websites
The Internet is an exciting place to find information. When you use the internet for school you have to trust that the website has correct information.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Who made the site? Anyone can put information on the internet, so you must find out if the information is reliable.
- Has it been proof read?
- Are there spelling mistakes?
- Can you contact the people who made the site?
- Are they part of a school, library, museum, university or government department?
- Is the information up to date? Check to see if the website has been updated recently. A reliable website will say near the top or bottom of the homepage when it was last updated. Remember too, that if a site hasn't been updated recently the content may not be suitable for the topic you are studying.
- Are there too many advertisements? Advertisements and pop ups can be very annoying and can stop you from finding information quickly.
- Can you check the information? Be aware that there are some spoof websites where the information is not true. Always refer to other sites to ensure reliability of information.
- Is the site easy to use? Can you find the information you want easily?
- Can you find better information somewhere else? When in doubt ask a librarian and they will be happy to help you.
Last reviewed: 16 March 2011