Evaluation Criteria

Traditionally, we focus on evaluating what we read and watch. The same principles of evaluation apply for books, media, and the Internet.

1. Accuracy
Remember! Anyone can publish anything on the web. No editor needed.
Does the information seem to be right?
Are there a lot of mistakes in the site?
Are the sources listed, if appropriate?
Are graphs and charts clearly labeled?
Is there any indication the site has been tampered with?

Phil 4:8 Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true... think on these things.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

2. Authority
Can you figure out who the author or editor of the site is?
Who are they and why are they writing about this topic?
Are they sponsored by an organization or paying for it themselves?
Do they have any qualifications to write about this topic?
Is there a way to contact the person responsible for the site?

John 12:49 For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. (Jesus spoke with authority, but not His own, the Father's authority. This gave Him credibility.)

3. Objectivity
Remember! The web can be anyone's soapbox!
Is the information full of opinions or is it mostly facts?
Is the webmaster trying to sway your opinion?
Is the site provided as a public service?
Is the advertising clear? Does it get in the way of the information?
Are editorial comments labeled or obvious?
Whose point of view is the information from?

Phil 4:8 whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are of good report....think on these things.

4. Currency
Is the information on the site up-to-date?
Is the date on the site? Is it today's date, the posting date, or the revision date?
Has it been updated recently?
Are the links still current?

5. Coverage
Is this the full text of the material or a summary?
Are you getting the whole thing or are additional plugins or software necessary?
Links within a site that extend the information must be evaluated separately unless they are a part of the same site.
Are the links appropriate for the site?
Is the site complete or under construction?

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

-This information was adapted from a presentation handout from a workshop titled: Cybrarians: Media Specialists and the Internet. Presented at the Connected Classroom Conference, November 1997, by Patti Tjomsland

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© 2000 AVLN. Adapted by Janine Lim for the course Integrating Technology into the Curriculum.