Why Use the Web for finding Information?
Why would you use the web for your information needs?
- It's fast. (Sometimes)
- It's up-to-date. (Sometimes)
- It's fun.
- It's visually pleasing.
- It often contains unique information.
Why not use the web for everything, all of the time?
- It's slow going if you don't know exactly what you are looking for.
- It can be frustrating and inefficient.
- If you are looking for a short answer to a factual question, a reference book may be faster.
- The information may not be as current as you think. (is the site being constantly revised?)
- The information may not be as reliable as it looks.
- Ask the question "Who is providing the information?"
- Some commercial sites may be very useful
- Some educational sites may NOT be useful (sixth grade term papers, course descriptions from other colleges, etc.)
Who can publish information on the web?
- Educational institutions
- Corporations
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Individuals - including:
- fans of authors, celebrities, etc.
- Eight-year-olds whose parents can mount websites
- Eight-year-olds who can mount their own websites
- People who have political, social, economic agendas to share
- People who have other things to share
Practice |
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1. Only recognized authorities can publish material on the Web. 2. Web resources are always edited and fact-checked. 3. Currently no standards exist to ensure accuracy on the Web. |
