Evaluating Internet Sources
Not all information is equally valuable. Retrieved information, whether from a print or non-print sources, must be carefully examined to determine its usefulness and quality. As the World Wide Web becomes more popular as a source of information for assignments and research papers, it is important to be able to select and critically evaluate the sites you visit.
Relevance/Appropriateness
- Is the format/medium of the information useful for your assignment?
- If you need primary sources, is this a primary source?
- Is the information comprehensive enough for your needs?
- Does the information express a particular point of view?
- Is the information directed toward a general (vs. a specialized) audience?
Currency
- Is there an indication of when the information was created/published?
- Is the information regularly updated?
- Is the information still valid for your topic?
Authority/Credibility
- Is there information on the author/producer of the source?
- Is there information on author/producer’s credentials?
- Does the information come from an “authoritative” source?
- Is there contact information (e.g. email address for author/producer)?
Coverage
- Does the information source cover the topic extensively?
- Is the information abridged (e.g. table of contents/summary only)?
- Is full-text information available only to subscribers?
Accuracy
- Is the information presented as fact (vs. opinion)?
- If the information is presented as fact, can it be assessed for accuracy (i.e. are there footnotes or references)?
- Does the information appear to be biased?
Design
- Is the page layout visually pleasing?
- Are the buttons or icons easy to understand?
- Are the hot links provided to additional information?
- Do the images enhance the information?
- Is the load/response time acceptable?
Internet Sources
A site featuring hundreds of transcriptions,videos, and audio of famous speeches, definitions of rhetoric, and lists of communication journals.
The CML is an educational organization dedicated to the promotion of media literacy education. Features an overview defining media literacy in the 21st century and educational resources.
Non-profit advocacy coalition that supports the use of media for scholarship, research, and teaching. Its goal is to establish new an innovative ways of tagging and annotating media to create new forms of electronic scholarship. The site features various clips and lectures, which focus on mass media and culture.
A free Humanities database from Iowa State University featuring more than 35,000 works.
Google Scholar provides a search of scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources, including theses, books, articles and abstracts.
Nancy Duarte: The Secret of Great Talks
A free TED video on what makes great speeches. An interesting video for students wishing for help in their own speeches.
A free guide provided by Microsoft designed to improve Powerpoint presentations.
Purdue OWL: Logic in Argumentative Writing
A guide provided by Purdue University to assist students with creating logical arguments in their writing.
Communication Societies
Association for Media Literacy
A Canadian association made up of teachers, librarians, consultants, parents, cultural workers, and media professionals concerned about the impact of the media media on contemporary culture.
International Communication Association
The ICA is an academic association for scholars interested in the study, teaching, and application of all aspects of human and mediated communication.
National Communication Association
The NCA serves scholars, teachers, and practitioners to advance communication as a discipline that studies all forms, modes, and media.
The RSA considers itself to be an umbrella organization for scholars and teachers who are interested in rhetoric, and the art of effective communication.
Toastmasters International is an organizations of over 270,000 individuals dedicated to improving public speaking and leadership skills.
Western States Communication Association
The WSCA's purpose is to unite people in the Western States who have an academic, lay, or professional interest in communication. Member states include: California, Washington, Oregon, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Hawaii.
Last Update: 23 Mar 16:24