ETL 501 – Website Evaluation

Activity 1

Overall the Cyberguide Ratings covers  all the criteria needed for evaluating a website generally, however  I think that is all it does.  I think it could also ask about the level of language and whether or not the site will engage the intended users.  It needs educational criteria added in.

The TL needs to consider sets of criteria that include educational criteria.

Activity 2

Other things I would add would be:

·         Is there a sponsor of the site?

·         When was the information collected? In addition to date last updated

·         Does it contain a search function?

·         Is it appropriate for use by students within a classroom.

Activity 3

I really liked Schrock, K. (2009b). The 5 Ws of website evaluation. Retrieved July 6, 2012. As it can be taught to the students as well as staff.

I would add :

·         Is it easy for all students to navigate?

·         Will it motivate and engage the students rather than distract

Are there too many advertisements?


I found two fabulous search engines for younger children and both are blocked by the DEC portal.
(Duck Duck Go & Twurdy.com) Twurdy ranks sites found according to reading levels and Duck Duck Go only shows a handful of results with children in mind on each page. Hallelujah!