Evaluating+Web+Info

=Evauating Web Information= Researching from the Internet can be a major tool, but it can also cause a lot of problems. When you research from the internet you have to make sure that what you are reseaching is both reliable and valid. With the advance of wiki's and blog's anyone can post information. How reliable that information is indicated whether it is a good site for reseaching. The following information is taken from http://www.factmonster.com/homework/u4evalinfo.html

Worksheet -

The first step in evaluating Web information is to know the kind of site you are accessing. You can tell this by paying attention to the domain of the address. Different domains often will contain different kinds of information, even on the same subject. Here are some of the most common domains:
 * Domain Names**
 * **.mil** U.S. military site
 * **.gc** Canadian Government Site
 * **.gov** U.S. non-military governmental site
 * **.edu** educational site (universities and colleges)
 * **.ca** Canadian Site
 * **.org** U.S. non-profit organizations
 * **.com** commercial business site
 * **.net** networks and internet service providers

You can use the **CARS checklist (Credibility, Accuracy, Reasonableness, Support)** to help you evaluate information on the Web. Not every Web page will meet every part of this checklist. But familiarizing yourself with the items on this list will help you better and more quickly evaluate the information you find.
 * The CARS Checklist**

**Credibility**
Don't believe everything you read on the Web! You need to judge how truthful the information is. Ask yourself these questions to help you evaluate the credibility of a Web site:
 * **What are the author's qualifications for writing on the subject?** Look for information about the author's education and experience. Also check for any biographical information. This will give you some evidence of the person's knowledge and reliability.
 * **Are there any ratings or reviews for the Web site?** Other evaluations can help you determine the credibility of the information.

**Accuracy**
Remember that almost anyone can publish information on the Web. Ask yourself this question as you read through the information:
 * **Is the information you find factual, detailed, and up to date?** Check the Web site for the date when the information was updated. If the information is old or there is no date, be careful of using the information unless you can verify it with another source. Also, look out for spelling and other errors. They may reflect the overall accuracy of the information.

**Reasonableness**
When you do research on the Web make sure the information you find is not biased. Keep this question in mind as you research the Web:
 * **Does the Web site present a balanced and consistent argument?** Be aware that not all authors and organizations are neutral. You may come across Web sites that present slanted and one-sided arguments in order to convince you to believe in something. Ask if the information is trying to sway your opinion about the topic. If it is biased, you may not want to use it.

**Support**
Because almost anyone can publish information on the Web, you need to make sure that the information can be backed up. Ask yourself this question to help you judge the extent of the support the author provides:
 * **Where does the information come from? Does the information contain sources?** A lack of supporting information should warn you that the information on the Web site may be inaccurate. ing to sway your opinion about the topic. If it is biased, you may not want to use it.