Evaluating Web Sites
Updated: July 5, 2005
Instructional Technology Level: Beginning User
Grade Level: Intermediate, Secondary
Subject Areas: Language Arts
Required Software: Microsoft® Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word
Classroom Resource:
Sample Web site Evaluation (84 KB Microsoft Word file)
(Please enable Word macros to use this form.)
Academic Standards
Language Arts: Students evaluate data and develop research skills.
ISTE NETS Standards for Students
| • | Social, ethical, and human issues: Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software. |
| • | Technology productivity tools: Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. |
| • | Technology research tools: Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. |
ThinkAbout... how students can evaluate Web sites.
Do your students believe everything they read on the Internet and view it as the final truth? With so much information available to our students, we need to teach them how to read with a critical eye.
One way to get them thinking about the validity of information on the Internet is to have them evaluate resources. This will encourage them to think about the source of the information and the usefulness of the Web site. You can brainstorm together what attributes make up a good Web site. List these factors in a Word document, and have the students use the document as a Web site Evaluation Tool or use the Sample Web Site Evaluation Tool in the Classroom Resource section.
How does this look?
Use the forms feature in Word to create your Web site evaluation tool and present it to your students. Just add the form elements, and then lock them by using the Protect Document command on the Tools menu. With the document protected, students can't modify the form and they can only fill out the information requested.
Note: The form features are only accessible when you are viewing the document electronically.
Tip: Keep a list of "student approved" Web sites so that other students can use it in their research.
More Information
Visit the discovery.com Web site at http://school.discovery.com/schrockguide/eval.html.
