Web Site Evaluation

     Not all web sites are of equal quality.  When you locate a site, it is helpful to apply some evaluation criteria.

Authority (Who is responsible for this site?)
Is the author's name on the site?
Can the author be contacted?
Is the author a trusted expert?  Can you check?
Is the site sponsored by a respected organization?

Content (What is on this site?)

     Currency:
        Does the web site have a date to tell           you when it was made or updated?
         How often is it updated?

     Accuracy:
        Is the information current and correct?
         Can it be checked?
         Does the site offer links for further in-          depth information?

     Objective:
         Does the site clearly state its purpose?
           Is the information factual or opinion?
           Is the information biased in any way?
           Is there advertising on the page?
         Does the advertising distract from the           site's content?

      Coverage:
           Does the information seem                    complete and reliable?
           Is the information well-written and               easy to understand?
           Are the photographs and graphics                 clear and useful?
           Is if free from spelling errors or                    grammatical errors?
           Would you have gotten more                  information from a book?

Navigation  (How easy is it to use?)
Can you move around the web site easily?
Are there clear directions, nagivation buttons, or links to help you at the site?
Do the links to the other sites work?
Does the site have its own searchable index or help screen to locate information?

BUT...

     (Is this the site you want?)
Can you easily read and understand the information?
Is there enough information to satisfy you?
Is the game or recreational site easy to play with clear directions?
Can you easily understand and use the site's features, films,  animations, and graphics?
Does the site expand your knowledge and your imagination?

You can evaluate any web site using the WCOM Library's
Web Site Evaluation Worksheet.

****************************************************

For fun:
       Practice  your web site evaluation skills on these                        Demonstration Sites.

*****************************************************

A student-oriented web site evaluation source:
     The Internet Detectives (formerly KIDS Report) is made by and for K-12 students.   Each bimonthly issue has evaluations of web sites related to the issue's theme.

Return to Subject Directories or Search Engines