Examination time!
So, you've picked a search engine...you entered your query...and TA-DA...you have a million options to choose from. How do you know which sites are valid with credible information? Are all of the sites listed accurate to your query? Why are there so many to choose from? There are images too? And videos? AHHHHHH its INFORMATION OVERLOAD! (IO)
Have you ever had a conversation like this (real or in your head)...Here's a sample of the voices in my head...Me: "Doc, I can't keep up, I'm overwhelmed with information, it's everywhere! What do I do?"
IO Doctor: "Your problem: Unlimited information on limited human bandwidth. "
Me: "What do I do, how do I fix it?"
IO Doctor: "Simple, accept that you can not keep up with the wealth of information out there, understand the difference between what you want to know and what you need to know, allow time for evaluating the site/source, and create a system that brings relevant information to you. Make a follow-up appointment to see if evaluating is working"
Sounds simple right? Well, if your tuned into Web 2.0 tools and Chapter 3, your almost good to go, we'll take it one step at a time, OK?
1. Look at the authority of the source. Do this by checking who owns or sponsors the site, check information about the author. Look at the domain and/or the primary source. Is it recognizable?
2. Check the objectivity of the site. Be sure to see if the information listed on the Web is not skewed and is fair.
3. Check the scope and quality. Is the information detailed? Who is the intended audience? Is the site updated?
4. Is the site current and updated regularly? The design and functionality are great indicators of more valid sites although not a guarantee of high-quality sources.
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