Central to the online research model is the need for students to know when to disregard information. With the amount of information available, it is imperative that students learn how to evaluate whether the information that they find is pertinent to their purpose. This begins by having students clarify their objectives before they begin the research process. With the interactive nature of the Internet, some sites solicit input, examples, and stories from others. Having students practice extensive searches on topics that they are familiar with will help them realize the most effective way to find information and help them eliminate some of the frustrations of the over-abundance of information.
Some sites have certain requirements for use.
Students should learn to exercise caution if they are asked to submit registration information at a site. When evaluating a Web site to use for instruction, be aware that, if it was designed for one browser or the other, it may not be presented properly. Use these reviews to choose sites to support instruction. There are many awards given on the Net, and you should use caution when choosing sites because they have won awards. Oftentimes, awards are created to build up visits to the site of the awarding page.