Week eight's lecture focused on analysing information on the net to determine whether the content is authentic and reliable. Due to the fact that the internet is open protocol, Justine emphasised that it is essential to create a research system which allows you to distinguish factual information from false information; for example a evaluative criteria. In creating a criteria will ensure that the information one obtains is reliable and relevant to their topic. Furthermore Justine discussed what to look for when decided whether a piece of information is reliable on not.
Workshop
Describe in your own words the strategies covered on the ICYouSee Critical Thinking website.
1) Make sure you are in the right place
When searching for information on the web, ask yourself if it the most efficient place to be searching. If finding what you are after would be quicker another way, then wasting time searching the web is unnecessary. Not all information can be found on the web. It may be easier to search a state library for example, for historical information which may to old to be found on the web.
Question any information found on the web and try to establish it's reliability before believing it. Check other sources to see how the site compares, consider whether there are any references for the site and check any links that are given.
3) Consider the source
Consider who is responsible for a site and what their qualifications are. Looking at the URL can give some information on the site such as a .gov; will mean it's more reliable than one on the same topic with a tilde (~) in it's domain name as these represent a personal site. Look to see if the creator of the site is contactable and always try to establish whether or not they are experts in the subject.
Be aware of the hidden intent of some web pages. Sometimes bias is obvious but can also be well disguised. Look consciously as that a site may be trying to manipulate your opinion. Consider the sponsors for the site and if it is their intent to sell something rather than give factual information.
5) Look at details
Reflect on whether the site looks professional. Dose it contain spelling or grammatical errors? Is the site serious with an focus on content rather than extravagant graphics and has put more time into the look of the site rather than the reliability of information.
6) Distinguish Web pages from pages found on the Web
Know the difference between Web pages and pages found on the web. Always question information that you read as it may be written by an expert but still contain bias. News and magazine articles may be available online but not published especially for the web. Considering where information is from will be useful in establishing it's creator and their intent.
Evaluation
American Cultural History: 1960 - 1969
Accuracy
The site has been created by the Kingwood College Library which gives an indication that the information should be of an academic type. The site also contains a number of links to other sites all which appear to be academic as well as references at the end of each section. Furthermore the site was last updated in December 2006 which means that the information should be current.
Purpose
Thew purpose of this site is stated early on in the text, this being “to help the user gain a broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s”. This statement indicates that this site only wants to provide information which will enable the reader to gain a “broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s”. The word “broad” indicates that the content should be objective and not biased.
Authorship
The author of this site appears to be the Kingwood College Library so the information should be academic. To further confirm the authenticity of this site all the information referred to comes from an academic background.
Detail and design
This site is detailed with current and relevant information. There are no errors with in the text and all links work correctly. The design of the site is of high standard and easy to navigate.
Overall worth
This site provides very authentic information as it has a credible author. The site doesn’t seem portray bias and would allow a reader to find suitable information on gaining a broad understanding and appreciation for the culture and history of the 1960s. I would recommend this site as a good resource.
No comments:
Post a Comment