Evaluating Web Resources
- 2. To ensure that students and teachers are served best by Web 2.0 tools it seems important that a criteria is used to evaluate the worthiness and usefulness of each tool. The following set of criteria has been created for analysing web resources tool: Criteria 1 : User Experience Criteria 2 : Web Navigation Criteria 3 : 21st Century Tool Criteria 4 : Value Criteria 5 : Authority
- 3. When evaluating user experience it is important to consider the following: Does the student perceive the functions in the tool as useful and fit for the purpose? Is the information quick to access and accessible on free web platform from any digital device with connectivity? Is the tool interactive? Why this Criteria ? User experience is related to layout, clear instructions and labeling on a website. If a user perceives the usefulness of the website, they are more likely to continue using it, or otherwise it can be frustrating, and students may focus on how to use the tool instead of the learning task at hand (Castañeda, Francisco, Muñoz-Leiva, Luque, 2007)
- 4. When evaluating web navigation for web2.0 tool consider the following: Is it consistent? What type of navigational elements are used? Does it include Help, Back, History And Bookmark Buttons. Is the page simple and easy to use? Why this Criteria ? Consistent navigation – in both how and where it appears on the site – promotes ease of use and increases student’s ability to find relevant information more quickly. If the navigation is constantly changing from page to page (except where absolutely necessary), students lose their on-site bearings and must reorient themselves constantly (deGeyter, 2012)
- 5. When evaluating 21st Century tool for web2.0 tool consider the following: Does the web tool allow for collaboration, communication and connectedness among students? Does the tool provide opportunities for students and teachers to be creative in planning and presenting their task? Does the tool provide avenues for critical thinking? Why this Criteria ? This criteria is important to evaluate as technology is “an enabling force behind globalization, knowledge work and entrepreneurship’, (Cisco Systems, 2006). The Partnership for 21st Century skills (2007), states that learning and innovation skills increasingly are being recognized as the skills that separate students who are prepared for increasingly complex life and work environments in the 21st century, and those who are not. A focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration is essential to prepare students for the future.
- 6. When evaluating value for web2.0 tool consider the following: Will it be a valuable addition to the classroom? Will it contribute to student learning? Does the information contribute something new or add to your knowledge of the subject? Is it interesting and not too excessive? Why this Criteria ? For technology to be used effectively in the classroom it is vital that it is closely aligned with curriculum and core standards and reflects pedagogy . Technology is a tool and should only be employed if it will facilitate learning and deepen students engagement with the content (Murphy, DePasquale, & McNamara, 2003).
- 7. When evaluating Authority for web2.0 tool consider the following: Is there an author? Is the page signed? Is the author qualified? An expert? If the page includes neither a signature nor indicates a sponsor, is there any other way to determine its origin? Why this Criteria ? Why IMPORTANT? -Anyone who knows a little HTML coding and has access to a server can create and load a web page. It is important to find out the author’s identity and his or her qualifications or expertise in order to determine the credibility and reliability of the information (Barker, Joe & Obromsook, 2012). As a result, this check and balance system helps prevent the release of unsound information (Lydia, 2009).
- 8. Barker, Joe, and Saifon Obromsook. Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask. (Library, University of California--Berkeley, 2012) Castañeda, J.A Francisco; Muñoz-Leiva, Teodoro Luque (2007). "Web Acceptance Model (WAM): Moderating effects of user experience". Information & Management. 44: 384–396. doi:10.1016/j.im.2007.02.003. deGeyter S. (2012) 6 Easy Ways To Improve Your Site’s Navigation http://searchengineland.com/6-easy-way-to-improve-your-sites-navigation-132138 Lydia M.,(2009), Evaluating Internet Sources A Library Resource Guide http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/webeval.htm Murphy K.L., DePasquale R & McNamara E. (2003), Meaningful Connections – Using Technology in Primary Classrooms. https://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200311/TechInPrimaryClassrooms.pdf Technology in Schools: What the Research Says. Metiri Group, commissioned by Cisco Systems, 2006. http://www.cisco.com/web/strategy/docs/education/TechnologyinSchoolsReport.pdf