Week 8- Evaluation and Authentication

Lecture - This week we learnt the basic and steps to searching and finding quality information on the World-wide web. The phrase "fit-for-use" is commonly described as what is information quality. Fit-for-use implies that IQ (information quality) is relative and or is appropriate for one use. One context of the World-wide web is open protocols which is when virtually anyone can design and create a web content. Other areas are questions such as who publishes on the WWW ? why publishes publish on the WWW ? What is published on the WWW ?

We also learnt how to evaluate IQ on the WWW and determine the quality of the content on the WWW.


Workshop -

Week 8 we are discussing evaluation and authentication of web resources. We were asked to look at the following website and record several strategies.

http://www.ithaca.edu/library/training/think.html




Record the several strategies on evaluating information found on websites.

Six points were:

1. Make sure you are in the right place. ( ask the question, are you using this website because its easy and fun; when really you should use it for the appropriate source of information you are seeking.)

2. When in doubt, doubt. (Always check how accurate the web page context is and examine assumptions.)

3. Consider the source. (A source will usually have the authors name. A good source will have some other form of information that indicates that this is the author and not some poor graded web page.)

4. Know what's happening. (Try to identify the reason the Web page was created in the first place.)

5. Look at details. (internal clues on a web page can determine a lot about a web page. Good spelling and grammar is a huge aspect to that.)

6. Distinguish Web pages from pages found on the Web. (Just a quick reminder that most web pages aren't from books or articles, but both articles and books can be found on the web.)




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




This exercise consisted of going to two of websites from the pages and using criteria for evaluation.

My findings were from : "American Cultural History"...

www.ImageShack.us" />

ACCURACY: It was accurate and showed all areas of the American history. e.g. Fashion and art.

AUTHORSHIP: Susan Goodwin.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this web and library guide is to help the user gain a broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s.

DETAIL AND DESIGN: The design was basic, but was detailed very well with all references visible and usable.

OVERALL WORTH: Very easy to follow and understand. would be great for information quality on the American cultural history throughout the 1960's.

A Trip Through the Sixties' ...

www.ImageShack.us" />

ACCURACY: Accuracy wasn't a strenght in this link of a web page, it was a comic play.

AUTHORSHIP: Michael Dale who is a comedian.

PURPOSE: A comedians relief.

DETAIL AND DESIGN: The design was created well, with some very appealing colours.

OVERALL WORTH: Nothing, as it can not be relied on for history evaluation.