Criteria for evaluating websites For a websites to be effective it must conform to the following criteria to be of use to clients and

users. The checklist below offers a list of criteria that can be used to assess the effectiveness of a website. Criteria Objectivity Content Characteristics Is the information biased or impartial? Is the author concerned with truth? Is the information useful? Is the site interactive? When was the site created? How relevant is the information given? When was the last time the site was updated? Is the information fictional or factual? Can the information be validated? Are there any references or sources listed for cross checking? Who are the authors? What are their qualifications/ credentials? Can the author be reached for questions or comments? Has the author taken care to check for misspelling or poor grammar? Is there evidence of peer evaluation? Is the site visually attractive? Is it easy to use? Is it easy to read? Does it look professional?

Currency

Accuracy

Authority/Credibility

First impression

Rating Scheme Criteria 1 Poor Objectivity Content Currency Accuracy Authority/Credibility First Impression 2 Scores 3

5 Excellent

Website Appraisal Websites Objectivity Content Currency Accuracy Authority/ Credibility First Impressions

www.bbc.co.uk/s chools/gcsebitesi ze/business/ www.bized.co.uk