Helpful Tool from Thad

Checklist for Evaluating Web Resources

 

Is the Web a good research tool? This question is dependent on the researcher's objective. As in traditional print resources one must use a method of critical analysis to determine its value. Here is a checklist for evaluating web resources to help in that determination.

Authority:

Is the information reliable?

Check the author's credentials and affiliation. Is the author an expert in the field?

Does the resource have a reputable organization or expert behind it?

Are the sources of information stated? Can you verify the information?

Can the author be contacted for clarification?

Check for organizational or author biases.

Scope:

Is the material at this site useful, unique, accurate or is it derivative, repetitious, or doubtful?

Is the information available in other formats?

Is the purpose of the resource clearly stated? Does it fulfill its purpose?

What items are included in the resource? What subject area, time period, formats or types of material are covered?

Is the information factual or opinion?

Does the site contain original information or simply links?

How frequently is the resource updated?

Does the site have clear and obvious pointers to new content?

Format and Presentation:

Is the information easy to get to? How many links does it take to get to something useful?

What is the quality of the graphical images? Do these images enhance the resource or distract from the content?

Is the target audience or intended users clearly indicated?

Is the arrangement of links uncluttered?

Does the site have its own search engine?

Is the site easily browsable or searchable?

Cost and Accessibility:

Is the site available on a consistent basis?

Is response time fast?

Does the site have a text-based alternative?

How many links lead to a dead-end?

Is this a fee-based site? Can non-members still have access to part of the site?

Must you register a name and password before using the site?

Other Tips:

Check the header and footer information to determine the author and source.

In the URL, a tilde ~ usually indicated a personal web directory rather than being part of the organization's official web site.

In order to verify an author's credentials, you may need to consult some printed sources such as Who's Who in America or the Biography Index.

Check and compare the web site to others which are both similar and different.

For more information on how to evaluate:

This site has an excellent bibliography of other internet and print resources on evaluating web resources. It is updated by a librarian, Nicole J. Auer, at Virginia Tech on a regular basis. http://www.lib.vt.edu/instruct/evaluate/ 

Citing Internet Resources:

Here is a bibliography of web sites you can use to help with citing Internet resources: http://www.wtamu.edu/library/webguides/citingweb.shtml 

Last Update: 01.2004

Keep What's Important, Important

Sometimes I need to re-focus and reflect. This video helped me, and I thought you may appreciate it, as well.

New Link

Mrs. Carroll sent me a link she would like to share with you all.

Click here.

Thanks for sharing!

First Day

O.K. guys, tomorrow is The Big Day! I am confident you will continue to be a positive influence with your students! Thanks for your dedication.

Thanks

Many thanks to Mrs. Armstrong and Mr. Ward for the outstanding INOW training you provided to the faculty! You continue to impress us!

Back to School Humor

Thought you guys might appreciate this from http://www.inspiringteacher.com/:

A school teacher injured his back and had to wear a plaster cast around the upper part of his body. It fit under his shirt and was not noticeable at all. On the first day of the term, still with the cast under his shirt, he found himself assigned to the toughest students in school. Walking confidently into the rowdy classroom, he opened the window as wide as possible and then busied himself with desk work. When a strong breeze made his tie flap, he took the desk stapler and stapled the tie to his chest. He had no trouble with discipline that term.

Welcome

Hope you had a great summer! Welcome to the blog created just for you!

INOW Teacher Videos

If you would like to view a few short videos concerning InformationNow, they are just a click away! 


http://support.sti-k12.com/teachervideo/default.asp?formed=1

Foundation Grants

Post from Talladega City Schools Foundation website:

"As the summer winds down, teachers are already getting their classrooms ready.
This year, because of changes in the school system due to the closing of Hal Henderson, some teachers were switching schools and positions. The foundation had made the decision for the grants to follow the teachers this year instead of gong to specific schools to accommodate these changes as long as the teachers are still employed with the city school system. Many, if not all, of those changes have been made now, and the Talladega City Schools Foundation is ready to start handing out grants. Due to the staffing changes, we are not sure which teacher recipients are currently at which schools. We can either hand out grants to individual teachers, or principals can send us a list of the teachers at their schools who are awaiting grant money and we can administer the grants directly through the schools. Contact Joell Elliott at RBC Bank in Talladega for grant disbursements. If you have any questions regarding your grant, feel free to contact any foundation member."

Graham Hadley said that recipients may pick up their checks from Joel Elliott at RBC Bank in Talladega. Happy Spending!