Evaluating Online Sources
The Internet has come a long way in a short time and for students at university, it is now possible to do all required reading online. Blogs, news feeds, wikis and online academic journals are all rich sources of information and, used properly, can be a great source of information.
However, there is a danger that students don't evaluate critically the sources that they encounter online and they may also overrely on online sources, ignoring other key sources.
There is a need for students to be able to evaluate online sources so that they use appropriate sources for their assignments. Robert Harris developed a framework for evaluating online sources using the acronym CARS:
Credibility:
- Does the site name the author or the organisation?
- Is bibliographical information listed?
- Is the website a commercial or a sponsored website?
- Is the site a personal website or a blog?
Accuracy
- Is the information outdated or obsolete?
- Does the site contradict other sources?
- Is the content meaningful?
- Is the content objective?
Reasonableness
- Does the organisation have a commercial or a political bias?
- Is the purpose clearly stated?
- Is the article well-balanced?
- Is the writer over-critical or angry?
Support
- Is the article supported with peer-reviewed research?
- Has the article been peer-reviewed?
- Is the site linked to a respected institution or organisation?Can you contact the writer or the organisation?
This framework has been tested quantitatively and qualitatively and has been shown to effect "lasting change" on students' use of online sources in academic assignments. Using a framework such as this can help students become better at evaluating online sources and ultimatley better, more independent learners.