Patricia Jimenez

SLM 521- Elective #7

October 22, 2005

Evaluating Websites

The following criteria checklist and questions will help you to decide if a website

is useful as an instructional resource.

Think critically about your first impression of the site.

Is it inviting to your eye?
Does it appear easy to navigate and find what you are looking for?
Does it look organized and proofread (no spelling errors)?
Is the site background too dark or busy or distracting?
Does the site attract your willingness to interact or respond?

Who is the author?

1. Does the URL address contain a personal name?

2. Is the author qualified?

3. Does the author give qualifications on the first page?

4. Is current contact information provided (probably at the page bottom)?

5. Can you find a link that offers more information (i.e. About Us, Biography)?

Who is the sponsor of the site?

1. Look at the domain name for a recognizable company or organization.

2. Does the domain name include gov., edu., or org.?

3. Is the sponsor trying to sell you something with lots of flashing icons or advertisements?

How current is this information?

1. Has the site been updated recently?

Look for update information at the bottom of the page.

2. Can you tell when the information was originally posted?

3. Are the links on the page still working and relevant?

Beware of multiple expired or moved links.

Does the information on the site seem relevant and reputable?

1. Does the site contain footnotes, citations, or bibliographies?

2. Is copyright information or the permission to reproduce acknowledged?

3. Are there links to more information?

4. Are links to additional sites of related subjects provided?

5. Are links to opposing viewpoints and arguments provided?

What is the purpose of this site?

1. Will this site give you factual information about your topic?

2. Does the author try to persuade your acceptance of information?

3. Is the sponsor or the author trying to sell a product or service?

Consider the language of the site.

1. Can you understand the terminology?

2. Can the site be translated if it originated in a foreign language?

* Remember: an opinion is usually a prejudice with a few unrelated facts. *

A Website Comparison Using the “Evaluating Websites” Checklist

I have chosen two websites at random concerning church modes.

Google was used as the search engine.

Medieval Church Modes was the highlighted link found on page one of Google’s search. At the top of the gray page it read, “Liturgical mode nomenclature compared to modern nomenclature.” As a music teacher, I understand the vocabulary of this page, but a student may or may not. My first impression is that it is chock-full of technical information that was tiring to my eyes on the gray background with close print and few graphics. Although it does look organized and proofread, I sink back into college theory class when I did not have a choice but to surrender to the information which I had to learn or else.

When you look at the URL, it is evident that this is a personal page created by B. Hammel of North Carolina University main campus in Graham. The ~ mark often indicates a student’s name. I found it difficult to decifer if he is a home schooled student sponsored by the college or a college student. There was linking information with an e-mail address which I did not pursue. Although there were lots of interesting and related links, I did not find any biographical link.

There were no flashing ads or recurring sales pitches. This site author was simply sharing information. It was not written in a persuasive tone, but rather was explicit with a touch of humor.

The information on each page was posted with a date and update information. The most current update was September, 2004. Most of the links remain active.

This site does contain bibliography information and citations. On the middle of the home page you will find a link which reads, “the obligatory copy right stuff.” Each page contains links to related articles. Some of the links lead to other areas of this site or to sites of acquaintances. The site offers scholarly information but should be validated by comparing to other sites. The author is clearly just sharing his gathered knowledge on a variety of subjects and interests.

This site was last visited October 22, 2005.

http://graham.main.nc.us/~bhammel/MUSIC/Cmodes.html

Ancient Musical Modes appears at first glance to be technical, but well spaced and interesting to read. It has a few well placed graphics. Important information concerning author and language translating is colorful, easy to locate, and underlined for our attention. The author speaks to the reader in a non-pretentious tone. He welcomes comments and information which will further his understanding of the church modes and ancient tunings. His e-mail address takes you to his home page complete with biography, fax number, address, and phone number. BUT, he is a doctor of pathology – not a musician or music teacher. I guess he caught a bug for music.

This site offers many working links to relevant information and related subjects. I did find it interesting that the author states that he and John Carbon, a noted professor of music at Franklin and Marshall College, played keyboard together in high school. The light bulb is flashing! Does this conjur thoughts of validation by association?

All in all, this information does offer good information in a friendly and understandable manner. It can even be translated into other languages. I like that it offers some song transcriptions that inquisitive students can investigate for an aural experience of church modes. Fun! And, the author acknowledges that he has received negative as well as positive responses to his internet submission. The site should be validated against other sites if used as a resource, but I must confess that I will reference it again.

This site was last visited October 22, 2005.
http://www.pathguy.com/modes.htm

Because I am at least familiar with the church music modes, I relied heavily on my first impressions of these two sites. I did find the evaluation checklist helpful in helping to take a closer look and judging the resource value of the sites. In particular, I looked more suspiciously at related links (and whether they worked), the sponsor of the site, and the last posted update.

The door to wisdom swings on hinges of common sense

and uncommon thoughts.

~ William Ward