Week Eight- Evaluation and Authentication

Lecture summary

Lecture eight looks at evaluating information quality of the WWW. Information quality relates to information that is "fit-for-use". IQ is relative as information that is useful for one purpose may not have attributes useful for another. The context of the WWW consists of open protocols and open architecture. Open protocols: information is exchanged quickly; anyone can access and display info on the WWW if they have a computer; information goes through a traditional filter to ensure there is some degree of IQ. Open architecture: there is no enforceable quality or classification control. Basically there is no control of: who publishes info on the WWW; why people publish information; and what is published on the WWW. As there is so much information available on the WWW it is important to use an evaluation process which should look at: authority; accuracy; objective; currency, and coverage, to determine whether the info is "fit-for-use" and reliable.


Tasks week eight

1. This reading has a number of strategies to consider when evaluating websites. These include:

-Content and Evaluation

• What audience is the website appealing to?


• Does the website have a purpose, and what does it contain?


• Does it have current links that are complete?


• Is the information accurate and of value?

-Source and Date

• Is the authors name present?
• Is the author credible and are qualifications provided?
• Are dates provided showing when it was first produced and or updated?
• Are the links current, and dated?
• Does the site show a level of bias?

-Structure

• Is correct grammar and spelling used?


• Are the graphics used for purpose or decoration?


• Are they relevant to the text?


• Is the site usable for a wide range of people?

2. Website evaluation- American cultural history

Accuracy

• The information appears to be reliable and error free. The spelling, grammar and format all appear to be correct, and all the link worked.


• The site appears to be edited by the Kingwood College Library.

Authorship

• The authors name is given (Susan Goodwin). The page is not signed but her email address is provided.


• No qualification information regarding the author is provided so i am unable to tell if she is a reputable and reliable source.


• The sponsor appears to be the Kingwood College Library, there email address is provided, as a link to view their site.

Purpose

• The purpose of the site is to information the reader about the cultural history during the period 1960-1969 in America. It covers the areas of the arts, music, television, sport, literature, fashion and education.


• There is no advertising on the site and it does not show a level of bias.

Detail and Design

• The details and designs were created by Peggy Whitley.


• The Design of the page reflects the 60's era. Whitley has used photographs and pictures depicting images relating to the different areas of content.


• The design is suited to the site and does not take over or overwhelm.

Overall worth

The site is very informative and is a great insight into the era of the 60's.

It is a valuable website which goes into great detail of the American Cultural History of the sixties.

Website Evaluation- The Psychedelic Sixties

Accuracy

• The website appears to have fairly accurate spelling and grammar and the information seems fairly reliable.


• I cannot find the name of an editor who would verify the information.

Authorship

• The website has a number of authors which are contactable via the University of Virginia.
• The pages are not signed.
• The sponsor appears toe be the University of Virginia.
• The authors qualifications are not provided.

Purpose

• The purpose of the website is to inform viewers about the political and social aspects of the sixties.


• Links are provided to view significant materials produced during the sixties to give viewers further insight.

Detail and Design

• Images have been sourced and included in the website to provide viewers with visuals to match the information.


• The design is suited to the website and gives it a real sixties feel.

Overall Worth

The website is worthy of a look and provides valuable information on significant events that took place in the sixties. The site gives dates regarding publishing and updating which shows the information is relevant.