URL: http://library.ups.edu/research/handouts/eval.htm

Title of Web Site: Evaluating Information on the World Wide Web

 

Describe the main idea or message of the site:

This site describes a four pronged test for determining whether educational resources are valuable or not. These four tests deal with the authority of the author-his or her qualifications-to publish such a work, the depth of coverage of the material, the objectivity of the coverage so as not to include opinion, and the accuracy and timeliness of the information. This test can apply to both world wide web information as well as educational software evaluation.

 

What is the most valuable insight regarding instructional software found at this site?

Although these topics make sense, the emphasis on the authority of the author is the most outstanding. Not only is it listed as the first criteria, it also sets the stage for the other three tests. Since content is key with both web sites and educational software, it is paramount to establish that the source is both reliable and substantial in its academic backing. All teachers should carefully examine the quality of the author and its publishing source before considering the software or web site content any further.