It’s online but is it on target?

Part 3

Dot-What?

Look at the sites address. What follows the dot?

·         Dot-com is not only for businesses; anyone can use it. Dot-coms include well-known and respected companies, but also private individuals.

·         Dot-org usually indicates a non-profit organization. Many dot-orgs present unbiased information, but others have political agendas, focused in a debatable issue instead of facts, and might not present all sides of the argument.

·         Dot-gov indicates a government website at the federal, state or local level. The federal government is a good source of statistics, and its sites are widely considered among the most reliable.

·         Dot-mil is used by sites that are part of the military.

·         Dot-edu usually indicates a university website. While its published research is generally very trust worthy, anyone associated with the university, whether a world renowned scholar or a freshmen, can be given space in its server. Professors sometimes put student course work up on the Web, but that doesn't mean that they’re vouching for the information’s accuracy.

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Choose the right

It’s online but is it on Target

Part 2

Research with attitude

Conduct your research with the attitude of a skeptic. As you examine websites for clues that they’re trustworthy, ask these questions:

·        Who wrote the web page? If you can’t identify the individual or organization responsible for the information, don’t use it.

·        What are the author’s qualifications for writing on the subject?

·        Has the article passed through and editorial process designed to ensure quality and accuracy?

·        What is the websites purpose> look for motives

·        -like selling products or winning votes—that could result in bias or incomplete information.

·        Is the information accurate? Is it up to date?

·        Where did the author get this information? 

        link

Choose the right

It’s online, but is it on Target?

Part 1

www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/boost-your-skills/10995.html

Using the web wisely

Thanks to the web, information is easy to find. However, it is also easy to post something online. Anyone can do it.

You have probably used the internet to do research for a paper, to help you decide which product to buy, or to form an opinion about current events. Looking up information online is fast and convenient. But when you do online research, it is important to find sites that you can trust. Many websites claim to have the facts, but are full of errors. Others present information in a bias way – they only give on side of the argument. How can you tell an unreliable source from a reliable source? Also, it is critical that you post online only that which is decent and appropriate, never anything pornographic, vulgar, indecent out of taste, untruthful, or obscene. Post those things that will make a good name for you and your organization, that which will promote goodwill and be benefit to the world

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