Unit 9: Evaluating the Internet

Lesson 1: Why Evaluate Websites?

You need to be critical—even suspicious—when searching for information on the Internet, also called the “Free Web.” To learn why, read the facts below.

• Anyone can post anything at anytime on the Internet. The Web is populated with an abundance of unreliable and inaccurate information.
• People who publish on the Web have an agenda. Be particularly suspicious of .com sites, which are trying to sell you something.
• Most scholarly sources are not on the Internet. Only a small percentage of all journals and an even smaller number of books are available on the Internet.
• Navigating the vast amount of information available on the Internet can be overwhelming. Only a small percentage of search results generally are relevant.
• Many websites require you to log on—and pay a fee—to gain access.
• Although e-book collections are increasing, most of the world’s books are only available in print.
• You may retrieve outdated information from search engines, since they are not always up to date.

Complete this tutorial to learn how to evaluate websites.

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