Aim: How do I research an article for an essay using the DOE Library Services website or any other website/websource?

Do Now: Answer the following Questions in your notebook:

What is research?
What are Research Skills?
What is Wikipedia?
What is a Citation?
Is it okay to cite Wikipedia?
How do you trust the information you are viewing/receiving online?

Lesson Overview:

Item	Approx Time
Do Now	3-5 Min
Mini Lesson	15-20 Min
Activity	15 Min
Discussion	5-7 Min

Research Skills

Evaluating Web Resources

Checklist for Evaluating Web Resources

Is the Web a good research tool? This question is dependent on the researcher's objective. As in traditional print resources one must use a method of critical analysis to determine its value. Here is a checklist for evaluating web resources to help in that determination.

Authority

Is the information reliable?
Check the author's credentials and affiliation. Is the author an expert in the field?
Does the resource have a reputable organization or expert behind it?
Are the sources of information stated? Can you verify the information?
Can the author be contacted for clarification?
Check for organizational or author biases.

Scope

Is the material at this site useful, unique, accurate or is it derivative, repetitious, or doubtful?
Is the information available in other formats?
Is the purpose of the resource clearly stated? Does it fulfill its purpose?
What items are included in the resource? What subject area, time period, formats or types of material are covered?
Is the information factual or opinion?
Does the site contain original information or simply links?
How frequently is the resource updated?
Does the site have clear and obvious pointers to new content?

Format and Presentation

Is the information easy to get to? How many links does it take to get to something useful?
What is the quality of the graphical images? Do these images enhance the resource or distract from the content?
Is the target audience or intended users clearly indicated?
Is the arrangement of links uncluttered?
Does the site have its own search engine?
Is the site easily browsable or searchable?

Cost and Accessibility

Is the site available on a consistent basis?
Is response time fast?
Does the site have a text-based alternative?
How many links lead to a dead-end?
Is this a fee-based site? Can non-members still have access to part of the site?
Must you register a name and password before using the site?

Other Tips

Check the header and footer information to determine the author and source.
In the URL, a tilde ~ usually indicated a personal web directory rather than being part of the organization's official web site.
In order to verify an author's credentials, you may need to consult some printed sources such as Who's Who in * America or the Biography Index.
Check and compare the web site to others which are both similar and different.

Resource Web Links

Using Google Advance Search Methods Google Tips
MyExtraHelpTeacher.com
Gale Database Search

Classwork & Homework

Classwork: Continue to work on Chart for New Deal

Homework: Complete Chart for The New Deal