I think that site evaluation techniques are necessary to teach children so they understand that not everything they see and read on the computer is valid and truthful.
Evaluation:
To teach how to evaluate a website I would first go over the criteria with the children
1. Did the site load quickly?
2. Was the site easy to navigate?
3. Did the site provide links for more information on a topic?
4. Are the links up to date and working?
5. Was the site filled with advertising that was distracting?
6. Can you move to the nest page easily?
Having done so first with a good/bad websites, I would allow them to evaluate the site as part of their final project. The website below is a good spring board for a discussion on cyberethics with students.http://www.cybercrime.gov/rules/kidinternet.htm This website provided good information on how to evaluate websites both for teachers and for students. The provided information would have to be adapted to the appropriate age/grade of the child. AUPI was not able to secure a copy of my districts AUP policy so I reviewed the Indidana Schools District’s AUR as an alternative. I think that although the AUR states that there would be consequences if the student/teacher visits inappropriate sites, I would like the consequences spelled out clearly. Additionally, what if a unsolicited contact, ie., link or spam, appears on the screen, what would be the proper way to handle this situation.
