Web Site BasicsIntroduction to Evaluating Internet Information

The Essentials• URL – is just another name for a Web site’s address.

– Example: www.palmbeach.k12.fl.us

• World Wide Web (www.)– a collection of billions of Web pages stored on computers called servers. All URLs begin with www.

• Web Site – a collection of Web pages linked to on homepage that is posted to the World Wide Web.

URL

Reading the URL• The type of information supplied on a Web site depends on the

provider of the information. You can usually identify the type of provider by the last three letters of the URL, or address.

• The last three parts of the URL is called an extension. Here are some common extensions:– .edu – Educational institutions– .com – Commercial– .org – Any organization– .gov – Government agency– .net – Network

Interesting Tidbit…• The only sites that cannot be bought by the

public are .gov and .edu. • This is important to know when evaluating

information because the source may not be reliable or contain factual information (even if it is a .org).

Examine the Content• Online material is not always clear about whether

the information you are reading is fiction, nonfiction, editorials or advertisements.

• Many sites also use flashy graphics, pictures and animations to catch the attention of the reader. Be careful…excellent images accurate content.

Final Thoughts & Reminders…• Anyone can purchase a Web site…so

proceed with caution!!• Have research questions prepared ahead

of time, so you have some direction when you begin your research.