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Finding Credible Information Online

How to Evaluate Websites

The

BC

Searching MinistryOnline

Consider using a safe search engine such as Kiddle.

Most search engines store your search history and other data about what you browse online. DuckDuckGo is a search engine and browser that doesn't track your online activity or personal data. 

If students use Google, parents should ensure the SafeSearch filter is “on.” Advanced Seach will provide more relevant results. High school students should use Google Scholar.

Tips for Effective Searching

  • Use good keywords and quotation marks to refine your questions.

  • Be aware of Educationadvertisements hason producedthe website page, as this might indicate a scopepaid site.

  • Check the source URL for relevancy (.gov, .edu, .ca, etc.)

  • Select sources that both challenge or confirm your existing perspective.

Searching for Images

Searching images can be an interesting adventure. You need to find ones that fit your topic, can be used (usage rights), and sequencedo it “safely”. Google is often the first place people turn to. There are ways to ensure you can use images you find online (tools, usage rights, labelled for reuse, etc.). However, other sites can be more efficient for searching images that are free to use. Here are some recommended places to search for images.

 

 

Rules to follow when identifying credible sources

  • Does this writing seem too good to be true?  You may wonder about its validity or truth.  Ask these questions:  Does this article seem unbelievable?  Does it conflict with something you already know to be true?  Is it greatly exaggerated?

  • Who wrote this information?  Identifying the author can help you determine the credibility and truth of your source.  Determine the author’s education, training, or experience/knowledge on the topic.  Does he or she have a professional title or belong to an established and respected organization? Can you take extra steps to learn more about the author, i.e., on an “About Me” page?  Who owns the website?  Sometimes, the owner and author may be different.  To find the owner, search the URL on Whois.

  • What type of website is requiredthis? for ResearchA Skillspolitical andorganization? Digital citizenship.A non-profit organization?  A social media celebrity?  Check the URL.  Read morethe here.

    “About”

    Thesection researchor experienceprofile allowsbio.  Do another search for amore broaderinformation understandingabout ofthe content,source.

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    • students'
  • critical

    Who skillselse links to the site and designwhy? thinking asWhat is their reputation?  Do they engagestand to gain anything by attacking or supporting a point? Type the website link into your search engine with contentquotation marks and exploresee what reviews appear.

  • When was this article written?  How old is the effectsinformation ofon applyingthe newwebsite? thought processesThis throughwill studydetermine its reliability and testing.accuracy. Research skillsThere areshould partbe a date when the information was written, and links included on the site should be updated and working.  Check the bottom of the ADSTwebsite processto andsee arethe includedlatest update.

  • Can the information be verified?  To check the accuracy of an article or website, look at the sources used in the BCarticle, Curriculum.

    whether

    Studentsthey mustare knowlisted howin the article, and whether there is a good bibliography or other links to defineprovide additional sources of information.  Can you find other sources which share identical information?

  • How does the tone of the writing reflect credibility?  The way an article is written will reveal clues about its credibility.  Check for good grammar, spelling, punctuation, and style of language.  Is the language demanding, critical, or over-emotional?  Is the writing too informal and more colloquial?  Does it only share one point of view?  If you notice a problem,bias, locatewhat informationfacts indoes theirit schooluse libraryto back it up?  Does it appear to make people angry or database, select appropriate resources, organize notes,try and presentmanipulate theirpeople?

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  • Why does the author write this information?  Every author comes from a particular worldview or perspective.  Some people will write articles to their peers. They must also understand howcontribute to acceptunreliability, peer feedbackbias and edituntruth. their workThat fordoes mistakes.not Adiscount basicargumentative introductionessays toor preparingpassion/opinion pieces.  However, use your judgement and the clues about credibility as shared above before using this as a citedreliable list of references is required using MLA standards.source.

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