Distance Learners

A large amount of information is freely available on the Internet. It is important when using the Internet for research purposes to evaluate the reliability of the sites; use the checklist (below) to help you decide if the information you have found is appropriate.

• Is the site Authoritative? (Who is the author and what authority do they possess?)
• Is the site Accurate? (Are any claims supported by reliable evidence?)
• Is the site Impartial? (Is the information biased?)
• Is the site Current? (Is the information up-to-date?)
• Who are the Audience? (Who is the site aimed at?)
• Is the site Reliable? (Are links from the site working and pointing to other reliable sites?)

Find out about other tools available to help when searching for information on the internet