Sachita Gopal, Matthew Loebach, Pearlie Lam

Resource Evaluation Checklist

Name of Resource: ___________________________________________________________
Date of Publication: ___________________________________
Type of Resource: [ ] Online

[ ] Print

[ ] Video

[ ] Others

Online Resources

Quality and
Accuracy

Authority and
Credibility

Currency

Purpose

YES
Does the resource meet high standards of quality in its
factual content and presentation?
Are there any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and/or
typos?
Is the information verifiable and accurate?
Is there a reference list?
Can the information be verified elsewhere?
Is the information available in other formats?
Does the site contain original information or simply links?
Is the arrangement of links uncluttered?
Is the web page from a credible source?
Does the domain reflect a trusted source? (e.g. .ca,
.org, .edu, .gov, .com)?
Are the author(s) and their credentials listed?
Are the author(s) from a trustworthy and reputable
organization?
Is there an email or other contact information available?
Check for organizational or author biases.

Is the date of publication listed?

Is the date of when the article was last updated given?
Is the web page updated regularly?
Do the links on the web page still work?
Are the additional links related?
Is the information still current for the topic being
researched?

What is the intended purpose: To teach? To inform? To

persuade? To sell? To entertain? (Circle one!)
Is the webpage objective and unbiased?
Is there any advertising on the web page?
Are there any religious, cultural, political, ideological,

NO

Sachita Gopal, Matthew Loebach, Pearlie Lam

Relevance

Design and
Visuals

Cost and
Accessibility

personal biases?
Does the site have its own search engine?
Does the information relate to topic being researched?
Is it suitable for the intended age group: Primary? Junior?
Intermediate? Senior? Everyone? (Circle one!)
Is the content at an appropriate level?
Does the content support the Ontario Curriculum?
Is the resource Canadian or related to Canadian content?
How frequently is the resource updated?
Is the web page easy to navigate around?
Will students find this resource interesting and engaging?
Are the visuals (e.g. images, diagrams, videos)
appropriate and related to the purpose of the resource?
Do they convey useful information?
Do the visuals distract from the overall content?
Is response time fast?
Does the site have a text-based alternative?
How many links lead to a dead-end?
Is this a fee-based site? Can non-members still have
access to part of the site?
Must you register a name and password before using the
site?

Other Resources (including Print and Video)

Quality and
Relevance

Accuracy and
Currency
Authority and
Credibility

Does the resource meet high standards of quality in its

factual content and presentation?
Does it facilitate reading and writing strategies?
Are there effective literacy strategies, such as
headings, captions, illustrations?
Does the content support the Ontario Curriculum?
Does the content meet the intended learning goals?

Is the content accurate and reliable?

Are the main ideas clear?
Is the content up to date?

Is the resource developed by competent author(s) and

producer(s)?
Are their credentials listed?
Are the author(s) or producer(s) from a trustworthy and

YES

NO

Sachita Gopal, Matthew Loebach, Pearlie Lam

Publisher

Navigation

Adaptability and
Integration

Purpose

Bias, Objectivity,
Tone

Videos ONLY

reputable organization?
Is there any contact information available?
Who is the publisher?
Why type of publisher is it? (academic/university,
popular, vanity/self-published)
What is the publishers reputation?
Can the resource be used independently by the
student?
Are the instructions clear, complete and at the
appropriate level?
Can the resource be used to teach or reinforce more
than one aspect of reading and writing?
Can the resource be used with slower learners,
students with mixed abilities or learning disabilities?
Can the resource be integrated with other activities in
the same subject?
Is the resource objective and unbiased?
Are the opinions and conclusions supported by
evidence?
Does the resource reflect a pluralistic view of society?
Does the offer state a personal or professional bias?
Does the author thank a particular organization or
group?
Does the authors employer support a particular cause
or view?
Does the language seem impartial?
Does the author make wild claims?
Is emotional or loaded language used?
Is the video content appropriate for the intended age
group?
Is the audio and video quality good?
Is there too much information in the video?
Is the narration effective and appropriate for intended
purposes? (e.g. pacing, clarity)
Are subtitles included on the video?
Is there a teachers guide or other support materials
that comes with this resource?

Sachita Gopal, Matthew Loebach, Pearlie Lam

Print ONLY

Is the resource found on the Trillium List?

(http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/trilliumlist/)
Is the vocabulary and sentence structure appropriate
for the intended age group?
Are the visuals (e.g. images, diagrams, tables)
appropriate and related to the purpose of the
resource?

Resources:
1) Evaluating Web Sources
(http://library.queensu.ca/inforef/tutorials/qcat/evalint.htm)
2) Evaluating Information Found on the Internet
(http://www.library.jhu.edu/researchhelp/general/evaluating/)
3) Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask
(http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/Evaluate.html)
4) Fact, Fiction or Opinion? Evaluating Online Information
(http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr194.shtml)
5) Instructional Resources Materials for integrating science and social studies with the
language arts
(http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.queensu.ca/login.aspx?direct=true&
db=a9h&AN=11080525&site=ehost-live)
6) Ministry approved Trillium List
(http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/trilliumlist/)
7) Evaluating and Selection of Learning Resources: A Guide

(http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/ed_ESLR_08.pdf)