Site Critique Checklist

URL of site:__________________________________________________________
 

Authorship and Sponsorship	Yes	No	Comments
1.  Is the site author/manager clearly stated?
2.  Are sources of information appropriately cited?
3.  Is it possible to give feedback to author/manager?
Site's Purpose
4.  Is the purpose of the site obvious?
5.  Is content (high-quality information) the primary focus of the site?
6.  Is the site "relatively free" of overt bias (gender, racial, religious, etc.)?
Design and Stability
7.  Is information easy to use and find?
8.  Is the site visually appealing?
9.  Is the text easy to read?
10.  Is the site easy to navigate?
11.  Are the links pages well-organized and inviting?
12.  Are the collected links well-chosen and useful to  children exploring the subject?
13.  Is the site design appropriate (not too complicated or confusing) for the intended audience?
14.  If the site is for games or recreation, are playing instructions present?
15.  Does the page load in a reasonable amount of time? (Will it on the computers you will be using with your students?)
16. Is the page consistently available and does it load without problems?
17. Are required plug-ins clearly identified?
18. Do the design elements and features (searchable databases, animations, graphics, sound files,  introductory and transitional pages, and so on)  enhance the site?
19. Are interactive features clearly explained?
20. Is the site free of fees and requests for personal information?
Content
21.  Is the title appropriate to the site's purpose?
22.  Is the content easy to read and comprehend by its  intended audience?
23.  Is there enough information to make visiting the site worthwhile?
24.  If there is a large amount of information on the site, is there a search function provided?
25.  Is an outline of topics provided allowing users to find topics and move among them easily?
26.  Is the spelling and grammar always correct?
27.  Is the information current and accurate?
28.  Is the information updated regularly?
29.  Is there a "last updated" date?
30. Are more links to information on the topic provided?
31. Are graphics relevant and appropriate to the content?
32. Is the subject matter relevant to and appropriate for the intended audience?
33. Are the skills required to use the site's features and structure appropriate and/or appropriately challenging for the intended audience?
34. Does the site contain the highest quality information?

This checklist is modified from criteria taken from http://www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/criteria.html