Overall opinion

The most important lesson that I had learnt is the Evaluation of Internet Resources using the 8 evaluation criteria: Purpose, Coverage, Authority, Accuracy, Currency, Accessibility, Presentation and, Arrangement, Usability and Overall Quality. When using internet to research for information, it is common to see that people always encounter problems like too much information, inaccurate information, currency and reliability. Therefore, the evaluation criteria will help us to grade the website. This lesson equips me with the knowledge to know how to look in-depth to a website, whether it is a good, average or bad. This helps me to ensure that all information that I have included in my blog are accurate. In addition, we had applied these evaluation criteria many times while doing the tutorials so I believed that I am ready to apply this knowledge while researching for information for other projects. These skills also will help me in my future work life if my job requires me to do research from the Internet. (:

Bird FLu Forum

Second Question posted: I would also like to ask if there are others products to prevent bird flu? For example, going for vaccinations.

Reply: There are no FDA approved vaccinations that will prevent you from getting H5N1. The exception is medical studies testing a H5N1 vaccine for safety and efficacy, but again, they are not yet FDA approved and the determination of the vaccine's effectiveness has not yet been made. The use of anti-viral medication, such as tamiflu, is controversial for use by the general public hoping to protect themselves from Bird Flu.

Bibliography

“Adidas” (2006). Adidas AG. Available: www.adidas.com

Punto Fa, S.L. (1996-2006). Mango: Fashion for the young, urban woman. Available: www.mango.com

“NBA” (2006). NBA Media Ventures, LLC. Available: http://www.nba.com/

“DIME?, THE GAME. THE PLAYER. THE LIFE.” (2006). Dime Magazine Publishing Company,Inc. Available: http://www.dimemag.com/

“Basketball: The Offical Forum” (1999 – 2006). RightSports, Inc. Available: http://forum.officiating.com/forumdisplay.php?f=3

Todd, Crowell., (July 10, 2006). Asia Cable: My Brush with Bird Flu. Available: http://asiacable.blogspot.com/2005/10/my-brush-with-bird-flu.html

“Influenza A (H5N1) Bird Flu (Avian Flu)’’ Retrieved May 6, 2006. Available: http://www.vadscorner.com/h5n1.html

“Bloggers Blog: Bird Flu/ Avian Flu.” Writers Write, Inc. (2005-2006). Available: http://www.bloggersblog.com/birdflu/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (1998-2006). Available: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bird-flu/ID00032

“Department of Health and Human Services: Centers For Diseases Control and Prevention” Retrieved June 30, 2006. Available: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm

“News on Bird Flu” Retrieved 2003. Available: http://www.sars.com.sg/birdflu/bfnews.php

Larry J. Loizzo. (2006). Industrial and Safety Supplies. Lab Safety Supply, Inc. Available: http://www.labsafety.com/birdflu/

“2HDistributors: Nano Masks and Nano Filters” Retrieved 2005. Available: http://2hdistributors.com/

“Government of Singapore” (2005). Available: http://www.flu.gov.sg/

“Topshop” (2002). Zoom.co.uk Limited. Available: www.topshop.com

“YouTube” (2006). YouTube, Inc. Available: www.youtube.com

“Bird Flu Forums” (2000 – 2006). Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. Available: www.birdfluforums.com

Practical Worksheet 6b & 7- Evaluation of Internet Resources

URL : http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Purpose
Are the aims of the website clearly stated?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves.

Coverage
What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?

This is an official government website that offers basic information on the disease, overview of recent outbreaks, guidance for care providers, travel recommendations. It covers areas like Key Facts, Current Situation, Infection in Humans, Q & A, The Virus & Its Spread, Prevention, Outbreaks regarding Bird Flu. Information is well explained and comprehensive enough. There is also related links provided by the website which are very useful too. They provide related links on bird flu based on U.S resources and international resources.I believed this website satisfy the needs of the users. References are also included.

Authority
Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?

Yes. This is an authoritative source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is the principal agency in the United States government. Information obtain from this website is definitely accurate and reliable. Reputation can be verified. There is also a phone number and an email link to contact CDC for any doubts. I did not manage to find any reviews nor is it included in any gateways or virtual libraries.

Accuracy
Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?

Information from this website is definitely accurate. This is a factual site. References are clearly stated and are free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors. There is no political, ideological or biasness in the source.

Currency
Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?

Information is updated frequently and it is well maintained. For example, page last modified for information on current situation on Bird Flu is on May 17, 2006.

Accessibility
Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?

The site is easily accessible. It does not require and registration and log-ins. All information is accessible for free.

Presentation and Arrangement
Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?

The information is presented is such a way that there is a different sub-headings for each. It has been logically arranged and categorized. There is consistency in the presentation and arrangement of the website. The website also has an A-Z index and search facility. There is also navigational icons, e.g. “Home”.

Usability
Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?

Yes. The website is easy to use, user-friendly and intuitive, easy to navigate around the source to locate information and search facilities are easy to use.

Overall
What is your overall impression of the quality of the websites?

Personally, I find that this website is very good. Information quality is accurate and reliable, free of biases and opinions. It’s also easy to navigate around too. I will recommend this website to friends who are doing on bird flu too. However, I will like to suggest that it will be better if graphics can be included to make the website looks more interesting and lively.

URL : http://www.flu.gov.sg/birdflu/what_is_birdflu.html

Purpose
Are the aims of the website clearly stated?

The purpose of the website is to provide news and and up-to-date information Bird Flu to the users. Alert, informed and prepared public.

Coverage
What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?

This website provides general information on Bird Flu. It contains information like what is Avian/Bird Flu, Symptoms, Vaccination and Treatment, precautions that General Public, Families, Schools, Businesses etc should take. It also provides other resources like bird flu brief slides, bird flu posters and also video clip on hygiene tips. Information is well explained and comprehensive enough. There is also quick answer for any FAQ and newsroom too. The website provides links to other sources on bird flu too. For example, links to World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All are useful. I believe that it will satisfy the needs of the audience. Lastly, there is also a hotline that users can call.

Authority
Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?

Yes. This is an authoritative source. This is a Government of Singapore website. Authority and reputation can be verified. However, I did not manage to find any reviews nor in any gateways and virtual libraries.

Accuracy
Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?

Information from this website is definitely accurate as it is a Singapore Government Website. This is a factual site that contains no political, ideological, biasness, opinions and professional advices. It is free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors.
Currency
Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?

Updating of the webpage has got to depends in this case. For example, the page last modified for symptom on bird flu is on 18 Nov 2005, while last updated for precautions for travelers is on 20 Dec 2005. In this case, this website does not really contain up-to-date information as compared to the first website.

Accessibility
Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?

The site is easily accessible. It does not require and registration and log-ins. All information is accessible for free.

Presentation and Arrangement
Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?

The information is presented is such a way that there is a different sub-headings for each. It has been logically arranged and categorized. There is consistency in the presentation and arrangement of the website. The website also has search facility which is effective in helping users to find information. Navigational icons, e.g. “Home”, “FLu Pandemic’’, “Bird Flu”, and “Flu” are also available.

Usability
Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?

Yes. The website is easy to use, user-friendly and intuitive, easy to navigate around the source to locate information and search facilities are easy to use.

Overall
What is your overall impression of the quality of the websites?

Personally, I find that this website is good. Information is accurate and reliable, free of biases and opinions. Same as the previous website, both are equally good in terms of information. However, it also needs to improve on the attractiveness of the website and to update more frequently so that users can obtain first-hand information.

URL : http://2hdistributors.com/

Purpose
Are the aims of the website clearly stated?

This website markets their products to the public for example, The Original NanoMasks, The Children NanoMasks to protect people against the Avian flu.

Coverage
What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?

This is a marketing website, so it differs from the previous two websites. This website does not really provide much information on the products they are selling. I only manage to find the price of the product. Information available on the website is very shallow. I don’t think that it will satisfy the need of audience. There is a toll free hotline and email address. Also, there is a site search facility and it provides links to other website too. Users can purchase the products online.

Authority
Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?

I am not sure if this is an authoritative source but I believe it is authoritative. Douglas Heath posted a note on the webpage so I believed that he is the author of the website. Reviews regarding the website are not available too.

Accuracy
Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?

I believe that information on this website is accurate. Basically, this is a marketing firm so this make me feels that it is reliable. Though it is free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors, references are not clearly stated.

Currency
Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?

There are no clues on when the information was last updated.

Accessibility
Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?

The site is easily accessible. It does not require and registration and log-ins. All information is accessible for free.

Presentation and Arrangement
Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?

I find that the presentation of the website is a little messy. I really don’t like the way it is presented. Information regarding the products is very brief and little. Though there are pictures, but I still feel that the company fails to market their product effectively.

Usability
Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?

On average, it is easy to use and navigate around.

Overall
What is your overall impression of the quality of the websites?

I find that this website is just average. The terms and conditions are not clearly stated too. It does not provide much information regarding the products, very shallow. Worst still, the website does not state when it was last updated, and is not attractive enough too. It will not attract me to stay on viewing the website. Personally, I feel that there is lots for more for improvements.

URL : http://www.labsafety.com/birdflu/

Purpose
Are the aims of the website clearly stated?

This is a marketing website, which is the same as the previous one. LSS.com-induistrial & safety supplies. The purpose of this website is to promote their products to the public and create awareness on the newer products available.

Coverage
What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?

This is a much better marketing website as compared to the previous one. Customers can check their order history, shopping list, account information and order tracking. There is a wide range of products being featured. They also provide catalogues on the various products. I will say that information provided is comprehensive enough and in-depth. There are also links on other bird flu website which are also good. For examples, National Security Health Policy Center Bird Flu Protection wall chart and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They provide phone, fax and mail links to answer any questions and to allow users to comment and provide suggestions. Users can also recommend the product to friends.

Authority
Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?

Larry J. Loizzo is The President of this website. This is an authoritative source. Information obtain from this website is accurate and reliable. In addition, the website provides information regarding the company’s history, linking policy and supplier link. Reputation can be verified. I did not manage to find any reviews on the website.

Accuracy
Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?

Information from this website is definitely accurate. This is a factual site and is free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors. It does not contain any biasness opinions.

Currency
Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?

It is not stated on the website when was it last updated.

Accessibility
Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?

The site is easily accessible. For non-members, it does not require and registration and log-ins. All information is accessible for free. If users are keen to purchase the products, they have to register.

Presentation and Arrangement
Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?

use, how to wear, how to maintain etc. Then, follow by the checking of product availability and prices. This is much better than the previous marketing webpage. Information is clearly stated, with instructions too. There is also a search facility, making information search easier, more effective for users to find information. Navigational icons such as “Home”, “Products”, “Info library” etc are available which it easier for users to navigate around.

Usability
Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?

Yes. The website is easy to use, user-friendly and intuitive, easy to navigate around the source to locate information and search facilities are easy to use.

Overall
What is your overall impression of the quality of the websites?

I find that this website is much better than the previous one. Sufficient information is provided to guide the users around. Pictures of the products are clearly posted. Terms and conditions are clearly stated and how to use the products are clearly explained too. I believe it will attract the attention of others. However, the problem of this website is that they need did not state when the webpage is last updated. So maybe, some improvements can be make on it.

Bird Flu Discussion Forum.

Forum link: www.birdfluforums.com

Question posted by me: Is there any new products launched recently to prevent bird flu?

I managed to receive one reply, ''The child's nanomasks are new: http://birdfluprotection.com/nanomas..._flu_masks.htm ''

Practical Worksheet 6 – Evaluation of Internet Resources

www.youtube.com

Purpose: Are the aims of the website clearly stated?

Yes. YouTube is a consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience.
Everyone can watch videos on YouTube—both on YouTube.com and across the Internet. People can see first-hand accounts of current events, find videos about their hobbies and interests, and discover the quirky and unusual.

Coverage: What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?

YouTube is a Chinese website whereby public and go in to
- Upload, tag and share videos worldwide
- Browse millions of original videos uploaded by community members
- Find, join and create video groups to connect with people who have similar interests
- Customize the experience by subscribing to member videos, saving favorites, and creating playlists
- Integrate YouTube videos on websites using video embeds or APIs
- Make videos public or private—users can elect to broadcast their videos publicly or share them privately with friends and family upon upload

The service is free for everyone. I believed that it satisfy the needs of the audience. It also provides description about the link, when was it uploaded, the ratings and how many viewers had actually watched it. People can also comment on the videos. We can actually view the profile of the person who has actually posted the video and what other interesting video he/she had posted before. Currently, YouTube has relationships with the following third-party ad servers or ad networks:

- 24/7 Real Media, Inc.
- Adbrite, Inc.
- DoubleClick
- Fastclick, Inc.
- Google, Inc.
- Tribal? Fusion

Some of these links are useful.

Authority: Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?

I don’t think YouTube has been included in any gateways or virtual libraries.

Accuracy: Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?

This is just purely an entertainment website. It will state who posted the videos.

Currency: Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?

It depends on what you actually want to watch. Some videos are actually bring updated daily. Yes. I believe that it is will maintained. If not, it won’t attract so many users.

Accessibility: Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?

Yes. It is very easy to access. It depends on you to become a member or not. There’s no need for any log-ins unless you area member. The videos posted on the website are definitely free. YouTube uses both session cookies and persistent cookies. We can check back our previous search videos.

Presentation and Arrangement: Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?

We can actually sort of the videos that we are looking for by relevance , date added, view counts and ratings. There is a ‘viewing history’ link to allow viewers to check their previous search.

Usability: Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?

Definitely it is easy to use and navigate around. It allows users to post any questions and recommendations to them.

Overall: What is your overall impression of the quality of the websites?

To me, I find that it is good and the videos there are interesting.

www.topshop.com

Purpose: Are the aims of the website clearly stated?

The aim of the website is business/marketing. It is to promote their collection.

Coverage: What is the coverage of the site? Is it comprehensive? What subject areas and materials are covered? Are there any pointers to further information that enhance the coverage of the site? Are the links to other sites useful?

This site covers latest style, collections which include tips on how to wear certain kind of clothes and also descriptions of their products. It can be considered comprehensive as they include prices, pictures of latest collection, payment options, delivery areas and time. Links are limited to within their shop. For example, links to others topshop outlets. It is useful as it provides customer with information of the other outlets.

Authority: Is this an authoritative source? Are there any reviews about this site or has it been included in any gateways or virtual libraries?

Information posted here is authoritative as it is being posted by their staff.

Accuracy: Are the facts accurate? Does it use research as a basis? Is there political, ideological, or biasness in the source? Is it a factual site or one that contains an opinion? Are the references stated clearly? Is it free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors?

I doubt that information posted here are of any biasness. Information only includes pricing, promotion, store locator, news and events etc. This website is free of opinion and references are stated clearly in categorized headings. The site is also free from grammatical, spelling and typographical errors.

Currency: Is the information up-to-date? Is it well-maintained?

The site is up-to-date and well-maintained as they have to update it weekly with new styles and news of what is going on at Topshop.

Accessibility: Is the site easily accessible? Does it require registration and log-ins? Are all the information accessible for FREE?

Website is easily access as there is no membership required for viewers to view the website. Information can be viewed and retrieved freely.

Presentation and Arrangement: Is the information well presented and arranged? Is the information clearly, consistently and logically presented and arranged? Are there any features such as site map, an index or a search facility? How effective are the search features in helping users to find information?

The information presented is well organized and arranged as they classify their information accordingly to their respective groups. Eg. New, Lingerie Shop, Collections. This helps to prevent confusion for users. There is no search features as all types of clothes that Topshop sell is laready in the website.

Usability: Is it easy to use and navigate around? Are there user support facilities?

Their categorized information have allowed easy navigation around their site. There is a Service and Help link to enable users to for examples, check stock & availability, payments methods & security, delivering & postage, tracking your order and etc.

Overall : What is your overall impression of the quality of the websites?

Their layout has attracted me to keep visiting the site. GOOD!

Week 5-Search facility

Search Engine

Example used :
www.google.com

Keywords used: ''latest news'' + ''bird flu''
http://www.sars.com.sg/birdflu/bfnews.php
Purpose: News.
This website shows the entire article relating to bird flu in affected area. It provides up-to-date news to users.

http://www.flu.gov.sg/
Purpose: Information.
News and facts about bird flu from the Singapore Government.

Size of hits: 84,400
Google rank it by the number of counts people viewing the same website.
From the first 20 search results, around 14of it are useful.

Meta Search Engine
Example used :http://www.metacrawler.com/

Keywords used: Bird Flu Safety Products

http://2hdistributors.com/
Purpose: Marketing.
This website markets their products to the public for example, The Original NanoMasks, The Children NanoMasks to protect people against the Avian flu.

http://www.labsafety.com/birdflu/
Purpose: Marketing.
This website enables users to check out complete list of bird flu products available.

Both website above allows users to purchase their orders online.

Size of hit: 84.
Meta Search engine provides information to users by pulling resources from their relating website. From the first 20 links, 12 links provide me with the information that I’m searching.


Subject Directory

Example used :
www.yahoo.com

Keywords used: Bird flu information

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/
Purpose: Information.
CDC-Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. This is an official government website that offers basic information on the disease, overview of recent outbreaks, guidance for care providers, travel recommendations.

Size of hit: 11,300,000
Directory search results are sites from the Yahoo! Directory and are ranked by algorithm. The Directory is a human-created and maintained library of web sites organized into categories and subcategories. All together, there are around 16 links which provides me with the relevant information.

Compare the search results. Identify 2 characteristics that make all 3 search facilities similar or different from one another.

Different search facilities produce different size of hits. For example, yahoo provides the most number of hits as it shifts through million of pages recorded in the index and then rank them in order of what it believes is most relevant.

Directories are human-compiled while search engine is machine-complied.

Do you find any strength/weakness of each of them, in terms of search capability?

Yes, I notice weaknesses. For search engines, users can only find a portion of the relevant web pages. For Meta search engines, information provided was inconsistent and unstable. Lastly, for subject directories only searches titles indexed at the subject directory site.

Overall, which search facility best meet your searching needs? Why?

Search Engine, google. As compared to yahoo, the size of hit google provides is smaller which enables me to find information more efficiently. Google rank the website according to the number of counts people viewing the same website. This helps me to identify which website is the most useful ones.

Comment whether your research topic has any co-relation to the purposes of the resources retrieved.

Yes. I managed to retrieved information on news, information and marketing. However, I’m doing the topic on Bird Flu so there is no entertainment website on it.