Introduction

The purpose of this presentation is to help teachers

understand the importance of evaluating educational
websites. In addition, strategies and
recommendations are provided to help assist in
evaluating websites as well as how to do this with
students.
Why should we evaluate
websites?
The world wide web contains an abundant amount of
information about merely any topic. However, not
everything on the web is reliable. Much of what exists on
the web is ill-informed or outdated (Green, 2001). When
we assign students to do research, we often assume they
are wired with information literacy skills to assess the
validity and reliability of a web source (American Library
Association, 2014). However, this is not always the case.
As educators we must formally train our students how to
effectively evaluate a website when using it for research
or other means.
Strategies for Evaluating
Websites
1. Determine the purpose of the website
Who is the websites intended audience?
For what purpose does the site serve?
How does the website utilize media (graphics, video, text)?
Strategies for Evaluating
Websites
2. Assess the websites content
Who created the site?
Who is hosting the website?
Conduct additional research on the author and site host.
Strategies for Evaluating
Websites
3. Rate the overall functionality of the website
Is the site easy to use and navigate?
Does the site load quickly?
Do links work properly within the site?
Does the site require additional requirements, such as
applets?
Lesson Ideas for Working with
Students
Teach students how to perform effective searches
Spend a class period in the computer lab comparing and
contrasting pre-selected websites
Assign groups of students to one of purpose, content, and
functionality
Have each group create a list of strengths and weaknesses
The next day, allow each group to present their findings and
compile a class evaluation


References
American Library Association (2014). Introduction to information
literacy. Retrieved from
http://www.ala.org/acrl/issues/infolit/overview/intro.

Green, T. (2001). Teaching students to critically evaluate web pages.
The Clearing House, 75(1), 32-34.

Schrock, K. (1998). The ABCs of web site evaluation. Classroom
Connect, 4-6.