Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
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How can my students know if a web source is reliable? Students often uncritically accept information they see in print or on the internet. Students should be encouraged to carefully evaluate sources found on the Internet. The evaluation tool (below) will help students analyze web resources in terms of accuracy, authority, objectivity, timeliness, and coverage. Consideration of these factors will weed out many of the inaccurate or trivial sites students may encounter while doing online research. Analyzing web resources Answer the following questions to evaluate web resources. Accuracy    Are sources listed for the facts?    Can information be verified through another    source?    Has the site been edited for grammar, spelling,    etc.? Authority    Is the publisher reputable?    Is the sponsorship clear?    Is a phone number or postal address available?    Is there a link to the sponsoring organization?    Is the author qualified to write on this topic? Objectivity    Does the sponsor have commercial interests?    Is advertising included on the page?    Are there obvious biases? Currency    Is a publication date indicated?    Is there a date for the last update?    Is the topic one that does not change frequently? Coverage    Are the topics covered in depth?    Does the content appear to be complete?			Additional Websites The Internet: Ideas, Activities, and Resources Internet 101 net.Tutor A Teacher's Guide to School Websites Making the Connection Technology at Harvard Law: RSS 2.0 Specification Podcasting and iTunes The WebQuest Page
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Site Map | Submit a Question | About Tech-Ease | Privacy Policy | ETC Home Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.