Q3 Web Site Evaluation
Introduction
You have learned how to be a better researcher and even learned some fun facts about the U.S. Constitution. Now we are going to make sure that, as you are doing your research, the resources you find are accurate, up-to-date, and are credible.
I Can Statements
- find the most reliable resources to use when I do research
- use an online database (like those in mel.org)
- use a search engine
- search safely
- evaluate web sites
Key Vocabulary
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the information.
Authority: The source of the information.
Currency: The timeliness of the information.
Database: A collection of pieces of information that is organized and used on a computer.
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.
Search engine: A computer program that is used to look for information on the Internet.
Play the Vocabulary Game below to practice the Key Vocabulary.
Vocabulary Game
You can change the Quiz mode to Match, Test, Learn, Flash Cards, Spell using the selection list at the bottom right of the activity that says "Choose a Study Mode." Direct Link
Steps
1. You have learned how to search mel.org and Google. Watch the following video to make a decision on which resource to use when you are doing your research.
2. Now you are going to do a search on either a topic you would like to know
more about or one that your teacher has selected for you. Use this document as you go through steps three-eight below.
3. Using Google, you will conduct a search on the topic. Locate at least two articles on your topic to use for your evaluation. Make sure to copy the citations for your assignment.
4. You will also choose a database from mel.org and find at least two resources and include them in your evaluation. Make sure to copy the citations for your assignment.
If you would like the articles to be read to you, downloaded to mp3 or
translated to a different language many of the databases in MeL have the
capability to do so. If you see the following next to an article try them out. 
5. You will evaluate the resources you have found in order to determine if your information is accurate and up-to-date.
6. Read the information from Benedictine University. Many librarians are promoting the CRAAP Test to teach students how to evaluate resources. It is most often used to evaluate websites, but the same criteria can be applied to other types of resources as well.
Currency - the timeliness of information
Relevance - the importance of the information for your needs
Authority - the source of the information
Accuracy - the reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content
Purpose - the reason the information exists
7. Watch the short video that describes the CRAAP Test.
8. Using the CRAAP Test, evaluate the resources you found using Google and a Mel database. Complete the assignment using the document from step two.
9. Open up the expandable block below and learn about hoaxes so you don't fall for one.
Is it a Hoax or Not?
10. There are websites that are designed to fool people and make them think what they have posted is real. It is easy to fall for the hoax because they make their website look so real. They will even create articles about the topic and link to articles to make the site look legitimate.
11 Test your knowledge using this popular hoax site. Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus
12. Please use the following form to evaluate the Tree Octopus website or another website that your teacher may choose for you. Check out these popular hoax websites as an alternative.
13. Save the form to your File Space or return it to your teacher in Google Classroom.
14. Many people pass scams and hoaxes on to others. Don't be part of the problem!
- Always evaluate the author and source
- Be skeptical especially if something does not sound right
- Check the sources on the website
- Don't forward until you fact check
Additional Resources
Would you like learning more about evaluating web content?
Here are several resources to check out.
Fact Monster- research site for students
Completing this Quest
When you have finished evaluating websites you are ready for the next Quest.
Check off this Quest on the 21t4s roadmap
Go to Quest 4
Competencies & Standards
MITECS Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and
1. Empowered Learner
a. Articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes
b. Build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning process
2. Digital Citizen
b. Engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology, including social interactions online or when using networked devices
c. Demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the rights and obligations of using and sharing intellectual property
3. Knowledge Constructor
a. Plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits
b. Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources
c. Curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts or solving authentic problems
Websites and Documents
Websites
- Evaluating Sources: The CRAAP Test
- Fact Monster.com
- Michigan eLibrary
- Research Guides
- Pacific North Tree Octopus
Videos from Outside Sources
21t4s Videos
21t4s Documents & Quizzes