Lynn's+Wiki

=Teaching Zak To Think= There are a few very simple ways to ensure that web resources are valid sources of information.

Just use the 5 W's and 1 H to decide if the information that you find is legitimate.

WHO?
//Check out the source of the information.// If there are any links to information about the author and/or the organization that published the information, be sure to read up on their credibility. Websites with external contact information are usually credible because they are usually real companies or organizations.

WHAT?
//Watch out for biased information//. Websites that use unclear language and emotional means to convey opinions are generally not valid for research. They may be used to form an opinion but if they do not have links to opposite viewpoints, how can anyone be sure of their own decision? //Make sure the page is well organized.// If information is incomplete or written incoherently, it was probably not done by a professional. Valid web resources use easy-to-understand language and have links to other resources with similar information. Valid sources are properly copyrighted as well.

WHEN?
//Ensure that the information is not out of date.// With all the technology in the world, information quickly becomes out of date. If a website or webpage has a recent update, it should be shown at the bottom of the page. More recent pages are more likely to be accurate. Also, be sure that links to other pages still work. If a link has been changed, that may be a sign that the information is not up to date.

WHERE?
//Learn how to read a URL.// The website address can give some clues to credibility. If a web page ends in:
 * .gov -- It is a website developed by an American Government institution
 * .gc -- Canadian government departments use .gc, standing for Government of Canada. Provincial governments use their provincial abbreviation followed by this ending and .ca
 * .ca, .au, etc. -- Some educational, governmental, and other organizations use country of origin codes.
 * .edu -- Universities usually use this suffix for their websites

The suffixes .com, .org, and .net, used to be used for non-profit, commericial, and internet organizations, respectively. Now, however, anyone can use them and they may not be credible.

WHY?
//Have a purpose.// If you can find the same information offline, it may be better for credibility. Books, magazines, and newspapers are almost always credible sources.

HOW?
//Sceptism is KEY.// Check and re-check your information for validity. Use the above tips to make sure that the information you are using is not fictionalized and opinion-based before you try to use it for an assignment.