The 5Ws of Web Site Evaluation
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This document provides guidance on evaluating websites using Kathy Schrock's "5Ws" method: Who, What, When, Where, Why. It explains how to use each "W" to analyze the authorship, purpose, date, sourcing of information, and usefulness of a website. Examples are given such as looking for author credentials, determining when a site was last updated, and checking for bibliographies or references. The overall method helps determine whether a website is reliable and appropriate for research needs.
![Ask Yourself: What
.com
.net
.edu
.k12.[state].us
.gov
.mil
.org
• Commercial
• Network
• Higher Education*
• K-12 Education*
• Government*
• Military
• Nonprofit
Organization*
What does the URL tell you?](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/the-5ws-of-web-site-evaluation1433/85/The-5Ws-of-Web-Site-Evaluation-5-320.jpg)
The 5Ws of Web Site Evaluation
- 1. Web Site Evaluation Based off: Kathy Schrock’s 5Ws of Web Site Evaluation Created by: NCUSD 203’s LRC Directors 2006 Revised by: Josh Mika, Beebe Elementary LRC 2007
- 2. IMSA’s 21st Century Information Fluency Project & The Big 6
- 3. Kathy Schrock’s 5 Ws of Web Site Evaluation 1. Who 2. What 3. When 4. Where 5. Why
- 4. Ask Yourself: Who Who’s the author? Person, Organization, Both Look for information or references to the person and/or organization. What are his/her credentials? Look for a biography or resume. Look for other sites who cite this author or this web site. Can I contact the author? Anyone can create a fake email. Look for phone and mailing address.
- 5. Ask Yourself: What .com .net .edu .k12.[state].us .gov .mil .org • Commercial • Network • Higher Education* • K-12 Education* • Government* • Military • Nonprofit Organization* What does the URL tell you?
- 6. Ask Yourself: What What does the author say is the purpose of the site? Look for an “about us” What else might the author have in mind for the site? Bias (prejudice) Facts or opinions Is the site easy to use? A well organized site allows you to navigate, search, and locate information quickly.
- 7. Ask Yourself: When Is the information current? Undated factual information is no better than anonymous information- don’t use it! When was the site last updated? Information and links can change overnight. The author might have lost interest in his/her page.
- 8. Ask Yourself: Where Where does the information come from? Look for a bibliography, works cited, or references page. Are there external links to related information? A responsible site will redirect you to other useful Web sites covering similar topics.
- 9. Ask Yourself: Why Why is this information useful for my purpose? Focus on your research goals. Why should I use this information? Don’t just add this site to pad your bibliography. Why is this page better than another? REMEMBER: Anyone can put ANYTHING on the Internet!
- 10. Research Tips Online Databases Subscription Credible Purpose & resources are clear Search Engines Use Boolean search terms • And, Or, Not • “Exact Phrases” Try different search engines Cross Reference Facts Cite your sources
- 11. Works Cited 5Ws of Web Site Evaluation. Dir. Naperville 203's LRC Directors. Slide Program. 2006. Agrella, Chance. Photo 1484. Freerange Stock. 17 July 2007 <http://www.freerangestock.com/details.php? gid=&sgid=&pid=1484>. Agrella, Chance. Photo 1752. Freerange Stock. 17 July 2007 <http://www.freerangestock.com/details.php? gid=&sgid=&pid=1752>. Bell, Darwin. The Thin Walk Among Us. Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/53611153@N00/316302213>. Dodger, My Boy. April 2007. Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/92123561@N00/456721840>. d, social. Lemon LAN. Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/88548643@N00/139617711>. Eagle, Abominable. The Physical Impossibility of Anything for Someone Blase. Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/21871279@N00/157133651>. Eisenberg, Michael B., and Robert E. Berkowitz. "3-6 Grade." The Big 6. 2005. 17 July 2007 <www.big6.com/kids/3- 6.htm>. Illinois Math And Science Academy. "Digital Information Fluency (DIF)." IMSA 21st Century Information Fluency Project. 2007. 17 July 2007 <http://21cif.imsa.edu/>. Kaminski, Peter. Stop All Way. Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/35034359460@N01/1510724>. Kamminga, Dan. OHno! Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/42126397@N00/23306069>. lisaschaos. Wanna Hold Me? It's Gonna Cost Ya. Flickr.com:(Creative Commons License: Attribution). 17 July 2007 <http://www.flickr.com/photos/84678534@N00/404134189>. Schrock, Kathy. "5Ws of Web Site Evaluation." Kathy Schrock. 2003. Discovery School. 17 July 2007 <http://kathyschrock.net/abceval/5ws.pdf>.