7.+Reliable+Websites

"My teacher won't let me use Wikipedia" - is Wikipedia always bad, and how can we be sure sites online are worthwhile sources of information?
The most common complaint about Wikipedia is that it is a Wiki, which by definition means it is created, and can be edited by, the public. It's important to remember however, that Wikipedia has staff that check new entries, and entries will be flagged if information is provided without a valid source. There is a solid way to check information from Wikipedia, that is basic sound research practice - check your sources!!! Follow the links to the sources of information on Wikipedia and decide if they are worthwhile. Check the information you gather from a range of sources - including Books! Yes, Books! You should use a range of resources for research online, books, magazine articles, interviews, documentary videos etc.

Remember that anyone can upload a website on any topic. You don't have to be licensed or have a certain level of education. Find out, if you can, who wrote the site you are using. What are their qualifications? A second grade class might post a wonderful website about China they created for an assignment - but that probably isn't the best resource for information for a year 10 student...

To learn more about reliable websites and whether information online can be trusted, complete the following activity.

**Can you trust it?** Look at these 2 websites and decide which one is real.

The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus

Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division

Which website do you think is accurate? Explain why. What about each page has convinced you that it is real or a hoax? List your reasons for and against. What else can you do to help you verify wether the site is accurate? List 2 ideas.

Discuss your answers as a group. 