Criteria for Web-Based Materials

Throughout the last few years that I have been involved with using the computers in the classroom with my students, the question that has often been raised by my fellow teachers is how do we know that sources and materials on the web are legitimately correct. This can be a tough question to answer so after some research of my own I have come up with some important evaluative questions to ask oneself when determining the authenticity of a web-based artifact.

The first question one needs to ask ones self is: By what authority is this page posted?
which could include looking for several things:
Is there an author? Is the page signed by him? If so, is the author qualified or an expert? If not, you may want to ask who is the page sponsored by, and are the reputable?
Look for a header or footer for validation of affiliation.
Look at the domain for clues like, .edu, .gov, .org, .net

The second question to ask would be: Is this information accurate?
Is the information reliable, and is it error free?
Does the page list an editor or someone who checks the information?

The third Question to ask: Does this page display objectivity?
All pages on the web are made for a reason. Read carefully and find out what that reason is. Is the page trying to sway your opinion one way or the other? Is the page trying to portray one particular view of information, or does it remain objective?

The fourth question: How current is this page?
Is there a date on this page, and if so how recent is the date?
Do all the links on the page work and lead to viable information?


The final question: What is covered on this page?
This is a very important question. What is this page about? Is the information on this page in-depth and thorough? What information does this page have to offer that other sources do not? Also, what is the value of this information?

Even when going through these questions I always try to tell my teachers and students to never rely on just one source for the bulk of your research. It is always important to collect credible resources, and compare them with each other to obtain full knowledge of a subject.