Web Site Evalucation

Name__Pam Dubey___________

Site Name Geology.com

URL/Site Address www.geology.com

Brief Description of Site This site includes news, careers, articles, maps, satelitte images, and a dictionary all talking about geology.

This web site is:
o Business/Commercial
o Educational
o Government
o Organization

How was this web site located [e.g. found URL in another source, used search engine etc.]

_I used google to locate this site but the website can simply be typed into the URL ____________________________________________________________________________________




Purpose & Suitability for Audience
Exemplary
Adequate
Unacceptable
Is the purpose clearly stated? >Yes, the website wants to inform readers.



Is the target audience identified? > No. The website seems to be for high school students. Not complicated language but no colorful pictures.



Is the depth & scope of information appropriate & even throughout? >Some sections have more information than others



Is the language used appropriate for intended audience? >Yes, again, simply language and definitions for new words that we might not have seen before.





Content
Exemplary
Adequate
Unacceptable
Is information accurate and factual



Is the information current; is there an “updated” date? >Updated in 2009.



Is it bias free> Yes, it is only a factual website and it isn't trying to persuade anyone.



Is the source/author authoritative? No author stated.



Are external links included for additional information? >There is a google link and a dictionary.



Is content documented or cited? > Both



Do the graphic images enhance the information? > Yes, in almost every article there is a picture.



Is information arranged for clearly & logically easy understanding? > Yes, there are headings to guide the reader.



On non-commercial sites, is it advertising free? > The only ads are for things the website is selling.


Is the material presented primary or secondary
Primary
Secondary
Includes Both


Structure & Ease of Use
Exemplary
Adequate
Unacceptable
Were good graphic principles used in presenting information



Is it ADA friendly (Easy for users with disabilities)? >There aren't any modifications.



Is this the best format for presenting the information? >The information seems a little cluttered so it could be spread out a little bit.



Is the information reliable? >Yes.



Is the site free of typos and other errors? >From what i can see.



Do the graphic images enhance the information? Yes.







Educational Value
Exemplary
Adequate
Unacceptable
Is the information presented useful or appropriate to
the information need? >Yes, but there is a little "fluff". Not all information is needed.



Is the information readable? >Yes, not hard vocabulary.



Is this site the only location this information is available? >No, i'm sure it's found on other sites as well. Especially the secondary information.



Have the links provided on the site been evaluated? >No.



Does it act as an access point to professional literature? >No.



Does the site make email or other contact information about site owner available? >No.





Technical Quality
Exemplary
Adequate
Unacceptable
Do external links to other sites work? >



Does it contain information easily downloaded? >No.



Is navigation to the site obvious? >Yes.



Is navigation within the site clear & easy? >Yes.



Does the site load quickly? > Yes.



Are the graphic images suitable or serve a function? >Yes, they serve as another way of explaining the articles.



Is the site searchable? >Yes.





Overall rating and comments >This seems like a very reliable site. There are many headings on the site which serve as guides to the information being studied.







Adapted from ISTE Web Site Evaluation Form IN The Best Math & Science Web Sites for Teachers. Eugene, OR: ISTE, 1997 with additional information from Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources, http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/college/help/critical/index.htm