Lesson using 5Ws criteria for evaluating websites

2. Computer Technology Performance Indicators
 Research and evaluate the accuracy, relevance,
appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of
electronic information sources concerning real-world
problems

3. Computer Technology Standard
 6.5.3. Students will evaluate and select new
information resources and technological innovations
based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.
 a. Evaluate the electronic information for accuracy and
validity.
 b. Identify the source and location of available
information.

4. English Language Arts
Writing: Research to Build and Present Knowledge
 Gather relevant information from multiple print and
digital sources; assess the credibility of each source;
and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of
others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic
bibliographic information for sources.

5. Why evaluate a website?
 Anyone can create a website!
 How do you know the author
of the website is an expert?
 How to you know the
information is up to date?
 How do you know the
information is accurate and
what you need?

6. The 5 Ws of website evaluation
Who
What
When
Where
Why

7. Who:
 Who wrote the pages?
 Are they an expert on this topic?
 Is the information about the author included?
 How can I find out more about the author?
 Is there a way to contact the author?

8. What:
 What is the purpose of the site?
 What else might the author have in mind for the site?
 Is there advertising on the site?
 Does the site reflect bias or opinion?
 What makes the site easy to use?
 What information is included? Is it accurate?

9. When:
 When was the site created?
 When was the site last updated?
 Are the links on the site up to date and working?

10. Where:
 Where does the information come from?
 Does the author included references?
 Where can I find out more about the owner of the site?
 Check the URL (Web address)
 Does an organization, institution or person’s name appear in
the address?
 What is the domain?
 .gov – government site
 .edu – educational institution
 .org – non-profit sites, charities (but not always!)
 .com – commercial, business site
 .net – anyone can buy this kind of site

11. Why:
 Why is this information useful for my purpose?
 Why should I use this information?
Why is this source better than another?

12. Putting the Ws to work
 Use the evaluation checklist to answer
 Who
 What
 When
 Where
 Why
 Decide: Is it a trustworthy and useful site? Would it
be a good website to use for information and research?

13. References
 Schrock, Kathy. The 5 Ws of website evaluation. The
Schrock Guide, 2009. Web. 19 Jan. 2015.