Week 8

Lecture
Week 8 lecture gives information on evaluating and finding authentic information on the web. As there is no quality control on the web anyone can publish anything on the web. This has been the reason for the introduction of information to assist people in examining websites authenticity.

The criteria which can help with evaluating websites include:
• Accuracy- Is there an editor who verifies or checks the information?
• Authority- Is there an author and do they have credentials in the area?
• Objective- Does the page show bias?
• Currency- Is the page dated?
• Coverage- Is the information in depth?

If there aren't any of these on the web page it is likely that the page is not a useful source of information. Being aware that websites can be produced by anyone, even primary school children will hopefully make you analyze websites before you use the information

Workshop
Week 8 workshop is on determining the authenticity of a website. On the website http://www.ithaca.edu/library/training/think.html provides some useful information on how do determine if the website is accurate or not. ICYouSee gives six main suggestions on examining a website.

1. Making sure you are in the right place is necessary as the web is full of useful and useless information which can mean it can take hours to find what you are looking for. Asking yourself will I find information on the net quicker and that is more accurate than in a book can spare you hours of browsing.

2. When in doubt, doubt. Anyone can put what they like on the web so if information doesn’t seem quite right, then don’t use it as it is most likely false information. Look for manipulative and bias information as the full facts may not be given.

3. Consider the source. If the there is no author to the website then the information is likely to be incorrect as the author is not confident in what has been written to give their name. It is best to have an author who has credentials in the area which they are writing on.

4. Know what's happening. Being aware of the main purpose of the site, whether it is to inform, persuade or sell will give you better judgment on its content.

5. Look at the details. Details such as the date it was published or revised, spelling and grammar can show you if the information is current, accurate and written by someone educated.

6. Distinguish web pages from pages found on the web. Many government agencies and libraries no longer give paper documents or subscriptions but now commonly produce online versions of these. Determine where the source came from and if it was originally meant for the internet.

7.
http://www.ithaca.edu/library/training/think60.html

The second task is to evaluate two websites coming from http://www.ithaca.edu/library/training/think60.html
using the criteria accuracy, authorship, purpose, detail and design and overall worth.

The Almost Great Society: The 1960's
Accuracy- the site seems to be very accurate as I am unable to find any spelling or grammar mistakes and the information such as the date of Martin Luther King Jr is correct.

Authorship-Stanley K. Schultz, Professor of History and William P. Tishler, Producer.

Purpose-to educate people on the two domestic agendas Ellison had in mind: civil rights and the War on Poverty. We will look at President Johnson's philosophies and political methods, explore how civil rights protestors convinced him to act in the interest of African-Americans, and discuss the consequences of the civil rights legislation that Congress passed during his administration.

Detail and design-all the information was on one page which was set out well and easy to read.

Overall worth- the information seems accurate, the grammar and spelling looks to be correct and the author has ample knowledge on the subject as he is a professor of history. This site is a useful source of information.

Psychedelic 60s

Accuracy- the site is accurate and there it is not bias as it gives information about a lot of the issues which were around in the 1960's

Authorship-. The site is produced by the University of Virginia.

Purpose- to educate people on the many different issues which were around in the 1960's

Detail and design- The site has headings which have 60 style colours and patterns and there are several magazines published in the 1960's which relate to the issues.

Overall worth- A good site with a lot of information covering many different issues.