6C+Assessing+Educational+Websites

Inasmuch as I mostly work in the world of elementary-age children, I recognize the need for safety above all else. Allowing children free reign of the Internet has proven to be dangerous as they occasionally, albeit innocently, wander into forbidden territory. Recently, my school has denied access to certain sites via the school server. In doing research, the children almost always consult google first. Frequently, the reading level of some of the links are above where the children are. While it requires a lot of work on my part, prior to each project that requires research, I research sites I think would be best for them. It is easy to monitor the children while in the classroom or in the computer lab. Once they get home, it is my hope that they continue to explore the sites I provide. A site for children should appear attractive and laid out in an orderly way, without too much clutter or distractions. The reading level should be appropriate to the grade as should font size, although that is easily adjustable. Children need to be able to easily navigate their way around the pages, locating keywords that will lead to their finding the information they need. The DesignReviver [] talks about a 5-second rule, those first moments where someone will determine whether or not they want to stay at a site. The rubrics at this site [] are for analyzing websites for elementary and intermediate schools. These rubrics are based on Robert Harris’ guide in his article ‘Evaluating Internet Research Sources’ ([]) that examines the following criteria, which he calls CARS: credibility, accuracy, reasonableness and support. ** Credibility: ** trustworthy source, author’s credentials, evidence of quality control, known or respected authority, organizational support. Goal: an authoritative source, a source that supplies some good evidence that allows you to trust it. ** Accuracy: ** up to date, factual, detailed, exact, comprehensive, audience and purpose reflect intentions of completeness and accuracy. Goal: a source that is correct today (not yesterday), a source that gives the whole truth. ** Reasonableness: ** fair, balanced, objective, reasoned, no conflict of interest, absence of fallacies or slanted tone. Goal: a source that engages the subject thoughtfully and reasonably, concerned with the truth. ** Support: ** listed sources, contact information, available corroboration, claims supported, documentation supplied. Goal: a source that provides convincing evidence for the claims made, a source you can triangulate (find at least two other sources that support it).
 * Summary of The CARS Checklist for Research Source Evaluation **