Filling Your Fluency Files Affordably

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Re: Using Internet Resources

From: Judy Kuster
Date: 10/8/02
Time: 6:29:53 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.25

Comments

I believe if we send parents or clients to the internet, it is a good idea to provide them with specific things to look at first (not just say "Check the Stuttering Home Page" - that is too big a task:-) I also think it is important to help them learn some skills to evaluate web pages carefully. Some things to consider:

1. Who created the resource (Who is providing the content?) What are this person's qualifications? Is he/she a recognized expert in this field? Was it created by parents? students? professionals? researchers? clients? Any of these creators has important messages to deliver, but you should know who it is. Is there a mailto link where you can find out more about the author?

2. Why was the resource created? Who was it created for - the intended audience? What is the purpose of the resource? was it to provide information? sell a product? entertain? (A clue as to the purpose of the site may be at the very end of the URL. If it is .edu, it may be an educational site, typically housed at a university. If it is .gov, it is a US government site. If it is .com is may be, but isn't always a commercial site designed to sell a product. If it is a .org site, it is probably an organizational site, such as ASHA. Is the site and information appropriate for children?

3. Is the information on the resource accurate? Websites are rarely "reviewed" or "refereed" like journals and books. Does it agree with other information resources that you know are reputable? Are there typos in the text? "The etiology is NOT known" and "The etiology is NOW known" display a pretty innocent, but potentially very important typo! Are sources clearly referenced? Is there evidence of bias? Does it compromise ethical standards under which CCCed clinicians deliver services? Is there evidence of bias?

4. What is the intended scope of the resource? Is the content provided comprehensive?

5. Do the links on the site lead to appropriate content?

6. Is any advertising on the site clearly identified as advertising.

7. Is it current and kept updated if that is appropriate?


Last changed: September 12, 2005