Introduction

      Information occurs quickly in our world today.  Web sites are often the sole source of information for some people.  The problem is that there is no regulation for web sites on the Internet so it is possible that information contained in web pages is  inaccurate or outdated.

  In this activity you and a partner will study and review  information found on web sites.  Determine whether or not the web pages you have studied are a valuable source of information. 

Task

     You and your partner will be assigned a topic.  Review the list of websites and select two sites to evaluate in detail  using the web site evaluation graphic organizer from Ms. Joesten.

Remember the mnemonic device

"ALL CABRILLO STUDENTS DANCE"  

ACCURACY - AUTHORITY - CURRENCY - COMPLETENESS - SUBJECT - SCOPE - DESIGN

Process

1.     Ms. Joesten will present the web site evaluation format.  She will show examples using the projector and you need to take notes during the presentation.

2.     During this time the concept of bias will be discussed.  We will explore a definition and show examples from several web sites.

3.     We will examine two web sites and fill out the graphic organizer.  Be sure to give evidence. 

LET'S PRACTICE  

Book Rags - OUTSIDERS

http://www.bookrags.com/The_Outsiders_%28novel%29

S.E. Hinton

http://www.sehinton.com

4.     After the group analysis, you and your partner will be assigned the web pages you are to evaluate.

5.     During this process, one person will be the recorder and one person will be the technician, the partner who manipulates the computer.  You will trade jobs half way through the evaluation.

6.     Record your findings on the evaluation graphic organizer, keeping in mind that you are evaluating the web sites to discover which ones would provide the best information.

Things to Think About

Does your website give useful, unbiased information?

Is all information on the Internet true?

Compiling

1.     Once you have finished evaluating your web sites, you and your partner need to discuss whether or not they would provide valuable and accurate information.

2.     Your final product will be an oral presentation to the class, using the computer and the LCD projector, illustrating the benefits and drawbacks to the web sites you have evaluated.  You will use the evaluation criteria provided at the beginning of this process.