InfoTrac Junior Edition vs. InfoTrac Student Edition
Appropriateness:
Both editions seemed appropriate for junior high/high school ages. In fact the sites were identical except for the background color of the sites. I thought both sites offered quick access to material and reliable information.
Usability:
Both sites were user-friendly. The search bar was readily available. Students have the option of using a general search, keywords, subject, or publication title.
Content:
I thought the content was appropriate for more of a high school audience (depending on what you are searching); not middle school students. The Junior Edition would be a better search database for the target audience I teach but it still focused on grade levels 6-10. The articles are leveled but not all students read at the same level. The student edition is high school based but all of the content on the sites looked similar. With the sites targeting middle and high school students and with the varying reading levels between that age group if would be difficult for some of the 6-8 grade students to comprehend some of the articles.
Credibility:
The sites are credible sites. I follow the 4 "W's:" WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHY.
The sites provide researched and published information from an author or organization, it is dated, there are sources available, there is quality content, and there is a purpose to the material.
These resources support the best practice of "generating and testing hypotheses" because new integrated research database helps researchers quickly test hypotheses, test theories, build synthesis, and deepen prior knowledge while creating new knowledge.
LIST OF DATABASES MY STUDENTS WOULD FIND USEFUL
e-Library- http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/search
Health and Wellness Resource Center
http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HWRC;jsessionid=9E68E61A8B6D391F675EF2CC78F64241?locID=lom_accessmich
Info Trac Junior Edition-
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=STOJ&u=lom_accessmich&authCount=1
Bogus/Hoax Site Evaluation
1. http://www.dhmo.org
Credible-Unsupportable conclusions based on a narrow range of sources.
Accuracy-The information does not prove to be accurate. It can not be confirmed in two additional places. The content of the site doesn't make sense and the site provides a link to include feedback on the material presented.
Reliable-There is no references given and statistics to back up the information in the site.
Relevance-The is no practical and/or social applicability of dihydrogen monoxide
Date-The date of the site indicates that it is update regularly
Source Behind the Text-Tom Way is the author of the site. He has no credentials listed about himself.
Scope and Purpose-There could be several purposes for this site which confirms that it is a bogus site. It is persuasive (trying to convince), marketing (trying to sell something), and entertainment (wanting to amuse).
2. http://www.ovaprima.org
Credible-References to credible authors is not available. There is a link that provides a lesson plan databank that has no references or sources as to where the material came from.
Accuracy-The information does not prove to be accurate. It can not be confirmed in two additional places. Much of the information doesn't even make sense and the site provides a link to include feedback on the material presented.
Reliable- I did not find any reliable sources that editied or reviewed for the quality and accuracy of the information presented. The "contact us" link does not work. There is no contact information available.
Relevance-The is no practical and/or social applicability for the site.
Date-The date of the site is updated.
Source Behind the Text- Dr. Joel David Forsyte claims to be the chairman of the board but has no credentials listed about himself or the research that he has completed in order to back his findings.
Scope and Purpose- The purpose of the site is to provide information but after reading the "Home Page" and the "History Page" of the site there is a lot of confustion about what the site is informing the reader about.
Free Citation Markers-BibMe
Tomlinson, C., & McTighe, J. (2006). Integrating differentiated instruction & understanding by design connecting content and kids. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Appropriateness:
Both editions seemed appropriate for junior high/high school ages. In fact the sites were identical except for the background color of the sites. I thought both sites offered quick access to material and reliable information.
Usability:
Both sites were user-friendly. The search bar was readily available. Students have the option of using a general search, keywords, subject, or publication title.
Content:
I thought the content was appropriate for more of a high school audience (depending on what you are searching); not middle school students. The Junior Edition would be a better search database for the target audience I teach but it still focused on grade levels 6-10. The articles are leveled but not all students read at the same level. The student edition is high school based but all of the content on the sites looked similar. With the sites targeting middle and high school students and with the varying reading levels between that age group if would be difficult for some of the 6-8 grade students to comprehend some of the articles.
Credibility:
The sites are credible sites. I follow the 4 "W's:" WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHY.
The sites provide researched and published information from an author or organization, it is dated, there are sources available, there is quality content, and there is a purpose to the material.
These resources support the best practice of "generating and testing hypotheses" because new integrated research database helps researchers quickly test hypotheses, test theories, build synthesis, and deepen prior knowledge while creating new knowledge.
LIST OF DATABASES MY STUDENTS WOULD FIND USEFUL
e-Library- http://elibrary.bigchalk.com/elibweb/elib/do/search
Health and Wellness Resource Center
http://galenet.galegroup.com/servlet/HWRC;jsessionid=9E68E61A8B6D391F675EF2CC78F64241?locID=lom_accessmich
Info Trac Junior Edition-
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/start.do?p=STOJ&u=lom_accessmich&authCount=1
Bogus/Hoax Site Evaluation
1. http://www.dhmo.org
Credible-Unsupportable conclusions based on a narrow range of sources.
Accuracy-The information does not prove to be accurate. It can not be confirmed in two additional places. The content of the site doesn't make sense and the site provides a link to include feedback on the material presented.
Reliable-There is no references given and statistics to back up the information in the site.
Relevance-The is no practical and/or social applicability of dihydrogen monoxide
Date-The date of the site indicates that it is update regularly
Source Behind the Text-Tom Way is the author of the site. He has no credentials listed about himself.
Scope and Purpose-There could be several purposes for this site which confirms that it is a bogus site. It is persuasive (trying to convince), marketing (trying to sell something), and entertainment (wanting to amuse).
2. http://www.ovaprima.org
Credible-References to credible authors is not available. There is a link that provides a lesson plan databank that has no references or sources as to where the material came from.
Accuracy-The information does not prove to be accurate. It can not be confirmed in two additional places. Much of the information doesn't even make sense and the site provides a link to include feedback on the material presented.
Reliable- I did not find any reliable sources that editied or reviewed for the quality and accuracy of the information presented. The "contact us" link does not work. There is no contact information available.
Relevance-The is no practical and/or social applicability for the site.
Date-The date of the site is updated.
Source Behind the Text- Dr. Joel David Forsyte claims to be the chairman of the board but has no credentials listed about himself or the research that he has completed in order to back his findings.
Scope and Purpose- The purpose of the site is to provide information but after reading the "Home Page" and the "History Page" of the site there is a lot of confustion about what the site is informing the reader about.
Free Citation Markers-BibMe
Tomlinson, C., & McTighe, J. (2006). Integrating differentiated instruction & understanding by design connecting content and kids. Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.