When looking at the samples of website evaluations, which to use would depend on what year level it would be needed for. I wonder if ones that are a full page, are these too much and would students quickly disengage because completing it would be too much work.
I have put together a very simple table that could be used with upper primary students and would be a starting point that I am sure with more experience, or student input, it could be added to or changed. I don’t think this could be used with a 1/2 class but these topics could definitely be introduced and talked about to get them thinking about the websites that they might be searching.
| Questions to ask yourself when looking at websites? | Yes | No |
| Does the website look legit? | ||
| Does it include the author’s name? | ||
| Does it include the date of publication? | ||
| Is it the author’s opinion or facts? | ||
| Are credible sources included on the site? | ||
| Has it been published by a known publisher or company? |
Module 2.2 – Questions TL’s might consider in relation to reliability criteria:
– What information is on the website that I want students to use?
– Is it a site that can be trusted?
– Do students have to scroll in large amounts to find the information they need (because there are lots of graphics)?
– Are the links provided from credible sources?
– Does the website provide students with facts or opinions?
Module 2.2 – Technical Criteria to be considered:
– the content (too many graphics and not enough information for secondary students).
– the information provided and what language the site may contain. Do we want students reading something inappropriate?
– What are the reading abilities and capabilities of the students accessing the website?
– What is the purpose of the lesson in regards to the teaching, learning and activities.
– What aspects of differentiation can occur during this learning process?
– Is there any chance of collaboration between teachers and what material or websites may have been used previously with success.
– Does it allow for further student investigation and learning or does it stop with that particular site?
Herring, J. E. (2011). Web site evaluation: A key role for the school librarian. School Librarian, 27(8), 22-23. https://maureensresources.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/websiteevaluationlibrarian.pdf