Research Topic: Use of journals with content reading
I will evaluate these web sites using evaluation forms from Purdue University and the Sheridan Libraries at Johns Hopkins University.
The Purdue Method
LiteracyMatters.org
http://www.literacymatters.org/content/intro.htm
Accuracy
- Does the author cite sources used to develop the site?
No, the author does not. They do, however, provide a wealth of links to related sites. - Is it possible to determine the legitimacy of these sources?
N/A - Does the background of the author point to knowledge of the subject covered?
Yes. The site is maintained by “one of the world’s leading nonprofit education and health organizations” and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. - If the site is research based, does the author clearly identify the method of research and data gathered?
They do provide their criteria for source evaluation here, but the site does not appear to be research-based.
Authority
- Do you recognize the author’s name?
I do not recognize the name of this organization, but I feel comfortable with their U.S. Department of Education and Annenberg Foundation funding. - If you don’t recognize the name, what kind of information is given about the author?
See above. - Was the site referenced in a document you trust?
No, it was not.
Objectivity
- Determine what is the aim of the author or organization publishing the site.
This is a non-profit organization designed to provide information to teachers about matters of literacy. - What is the purpose of the web site?
The purpose of the web site appears to be to serve as a warehouse of links and information about various aspects of literacy and literacy development. - Do you trust the author or organization providing the information?
I do.
Currency
- Is the date clearly displayed?
No. They do list a copyright date, but that covers 2002-2007 and I believe is not accurate for determining when specific information was published. - Can you determine what the date refers to?
I cannot. I believe it is just there for legal and copyright purposes and is not intended to serve as information regarding relevancy of the information published. - Are the resources used by the author current?
There are a wealth of resources linked to. The ones I was able to check out appeared current. - Does the page content demand routine or continual updating?
The links would definitely need regular maintenance to stay current. - Do the links on the page point to the correct web sites?
Yes.
Coverage
- Are the topics explored on the site covered in depth?
Each topic is covered briefly in an overview, but supplemental links are provided. - Are the links on this site comprehensive or used as examples?
They are intended to be comprehensive resources. - On the site, are the links relevant and appropriate?
I’ve never seen such relevant links. - How valuable is the information provided?
There is a great deal of valuable information here.
The Johns Hopkins Method
Saskatchewan Education
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/mla/read.html#respond%20
Authorship
I do not recognize this education organization. However, I found the link on the LiteracyMatters.org web site, and my analysis of that web page leads me to trust its resources. So, barring further information, I’ll consider Sasked a valid authority.
The Publishing Body
This web site is published on a server owned by the government of Canada. If you can’t trust the Canadian government, who can you trust. While I’m not sure how Canadian educational standards compare to the American, I assume they are at least comparable.
Point of View or Bias
I don’t believe this organization has a political view or bias. Perhaps I could research this topic more.
Referral to and/or Knowledge of the Literature
This document demonstrates knowledge of the content. The web site also provides a bibliography.
Accuracy or Verifiable Details
A bibliography is provided for verification.
Currency
I could not find a date for this particular page.
