While there are millions of webpages in “cyberspace” devoted to learning and the dissemination of rich content, just as in “real life,” it is important to critically assess the quality, agenda and accuracy of any resource you find.

Use the following questions to evaluate resources you find on the web or in the AEC web links database. As you find useful resources, consider adding them to AEC.

1. Who is the author/owner of this site? _________________________________________________

2. What is the title (name) of the site? ___________________________________________________

3. What is its URL? _________________________________________________________________
(how would you hotlink the main page of this site)?

4. What are the stated objectives of this website?
To provide factual information in historical/social context
To demonstrate how to make/do something
To advocate
To explore ideas, commentary
To tutor or review ideas and concepts
To entertain
Other ___________________________

5. Who is the target audience?
General Audience/not stated
Teacher/Educator/Administrator
Adult Learner or practitioner
Student/Child (k-5) (6-12) (Higher Ed)
Parent
Tutor/non-degreed educator
Other ___________________________

6. How is this site supported?
Privately financed (no advertising)
Privately financed supplemented with advertising (banner ads, text ads, pop-up ads)
Group supported (community funded)
Publicly funded (grant funded)
Academic or Government Agency
Commercial (site owned by commercial enterprise)

7. What kind of site is it?
Community, Portal or Support Network
School, Institution or Museum
Curriculum or Lesson
Resource Center/Reference
Portfolio or Promotional
Artwork (new media art)
Is not explicit
Other ___________________________

8. Usability (Y) (N)
Does the site load quickly?
Is it easy to navigate?
Is the site ownership and purpose identified at, or clearly navigated from, the home?
Is it well designed, easy to read?
Is the site accessible to different kinds of users/learners?
Can you search the site’s content?

9. Actual Purpose What do you think the site really accomplishes?
Provides factual information in historical/social context
Demonstrates how to make/do something
Advocates
Explores ideas, gives opinion
Tutors/reviews ideas and concepts
Entertains
Sells Something
Other ___________________________

10. Effectiveness (Y) (N)
Is the target audience the actual audience?
Does the site present a learning situation?
Does the experience of using the site match the objectives?
Would the material be equally or more effective in another medium?
Are the objectives educationally viable?
Is the site ultimately useful?
Would you recommend this site to a colleague or student?