Embedded Files
Reliable Search Engines
As 21st Century learners, it is imperative to understand that any content, fact or fiction, can be published and altered on the Internet. As a result we must learn criteria to evaluate websites and apply this criteria to a website to determine the educational value of that site.
Search engines do not evaluate the content of their results, they simply provide and retrieve the information. Checking the credibility of the site is up to you. To avoid unreliable results, use the search engines listed below.
Website Evaluation
Website Evaluation
Taken from FirstDraftNews.org
Reliable Sources
Reliable Sources
No typing, grammatical, spelling errors
Easy to read and understand, clear graphics
Factual unbiased information, tone is calm and fair
Up to date, working links
Reliable source domain-.gov, .edu, .org
Author contact information with credentials
No advertisements, or if visible they are easy to distinguish from content
Unreliable Sources
Unreliable Sources
Typing errors, factual errors
Distracting and unrelated graphics, difficult to read
Opinionated information, mean and/or angry site
Outdated, not revised in a long time, links do not work
Unknown person or source sponsoring page; .net, .com
No author, author credentials or contact information
Distracting advertisements, blocking content or unable to distinguish from site information
Search Strategies
Search Strategies
Use inquiry learning to search and use multiple sources of information to understand a research topic. Also, in order to be successful, it is important to use strategies, tips, and efficient keywords to conquer the search process. It is imperative to realize the need for using multiple search engines to ensure comprehensive search results.
Keywords
The most important words related to your subject. The more words you use in your search, the fewer results you will get. However, they will be more closely related to what you are looking for. It is important to remember even though it is helpful to add more words, quality is very important. Keyword search terms need to be precise and relevant.
Alternative Phrasing
Use synonyms or different phrases to describe what you are looking for. Search engines use different words to categorize their results, so it never hurts to switch up your terms to improve search results. Try this: place a ~ in front of your search term to allow Google to search for synonyms of your initial search terms
Word Definition
Google will define words for you simply by typing "define: cloning" in its search box. (without the quotes)
Advanced Search Features
Almost all search engines allow users to use the Advanced Search option link. This allows users to narrow their results by inputting different criteria such as longer phrases, dates updated, domain, language, reading level, and words to exclude.
Brainstorm
Take a few minutes before searching to do some background research about your topic. Gathering prior knowledge about your search topic can help clarify search terms, weed out irrelevant results, and inspire inquiry.
Hyperlinking
Do not overlook hyperlinks within a website as they encourage users to link to new information which in turn expands and reflects on the original question and search terms.
Specialization
Specialization is a good strategy to use when you can not remember specifics about your search. All you need is one component of what you are looking for which will in turn lead you to your desired whole. ex: NJ shore amusement park
Avoiding Bias Sources
Avoiding Bias Sources
It is important to realize that some online news outlets may have a goal of trying to persuade the reader to a certain political agenda or angle. As consumers of online news article, it is important to identify and use multiple sources in order to get a balanced perspective. By doing this, you are then able to make your own judgements and opinions.
Fact Check Your Sites
Fact Check Your Sites
When you come across a questionable site and/or post, use the sites listed below to fact check the information. In order to get the most comprehensive information, use more than one of the sites listed below to fact check.
The sites listed below are relied upon for their accuracy, relevancy, and fairness.
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