Website Evaluation Tool

For use in Secondary Spanish

This evaluation tool should be used when doing research on the internet. 
It will help you to assess the reliability and validity of your sources.
Not all information on the internet is 100% correct, this will help you determine what is credible.

Name:
Website Address:
Name of Website:

Excellent
5

Very Good
4

Average
3

OK
2

Poor
1

Missing
0

Comments


Content - Validates the Information

              
The copyright date or last update is easily found.              
The website has up to date, current information.              
The purpose of the site is clearly stated.  Look for an "about" or "site info" page for this information. (If the page you accessed is not the home page, link back to the homepage to look for this information.)              
To the best of your knowledge, the information on the site is accurate and correct.              
The author cites sources for the factual information on the site.              
The site offers links to other reputable websites; the links are complete and unbroken.              
You do not know of any sources that contradict this information (persons or print).              
The information is factual and does not appear to be propaganda or opinion based.              
The information is not written in a biased manner. (i.e. Author is not writing for a partisan or otherwise biased organization.)              
The site encourages further exploration through the use of links to other useful websites.              
This website is pertinent to the subject the student is researching and provides relevant information.              


Authority - Validates the Source

              
The author or sponsoring organization is clearly stated and easily found.              
Information about the author is offered, including educational background, expertise, and experience.              
There is contact information available for the person responsible for the site (e-mail, phone number, and/or street address).              
The website address establishes authority (i.e. .edu, .gov).              


Design and Functionality

              
The site is easy to navigate.              
It is easy to find information on the site.              
Links on the site contain the website address, the URL, and a short description (easy to decide whether or not to use link).              
The site downloads quickly and without errors.              
The page is organized and not cluttered with unnecessary graphics and advertisements.              
The use of multimedia on the site is appropriate and enhances (not detracts from) the content.              
The website is aesthetically pleasing and adds to the content through the use of pictures and graphics.              

90-110 = Excellent; 75-89 = Very Good; 60-74 = Average; 45-59 = OK; 30-44 = Poor; less than 29 = Completely Unacceptable

This Website Evaluation Tool is also available in printable format, in Microsoft Word.