PASS: an educator's tool for web evaluation.

Are you overwhelmed by the Internet?  Are you using inappropriate web sites? Do you even know if the sites you you use are appropriate?  PASS was developed to give educators a tool for evaluating information sources, specifically web pages.  PASS can be used to evaluate information packaged in various formats and adapted for instruction at various educational levels elementary through college.

What is PASS?
PASS is a memory aid that serves as an evaluation tool. By focusing on the topics represented by each letter of the word PASS you can evaluate an information source to see if it fits your information need.
        P - Purpose.     Why was it created? Purpose, Intent
        A - Authority.     Who is responsible for this work? Author, Publisher
        S - Scope.     What is the scope or coverage? Content
        S - Selected entries.     How does it work? Design
The final element of the evaluation process is using the word PASS.  Does the information source PASS the test? Will the information source work for your information need. Detailed 'how to' for using PASS is available.

When looking for information think about what this information will be used for as you search. Will it be used for an academic paper, entertainment, or personal interest? What degree of authority will be needed? What kind of bias will be tolerated? How current does it need to be?

To evaluate a web site, a basic understanding of a web address or URL is needed. The web address can provide clues to help evaluate the web page.

Searching for non evaluated web sites eats up time. Use previously evaluated sources. The materials list has specific examples. Many libraries provide links to evaluated web sites by topic. Different organizations publish lists of web sites that deal with topics they have an interest in. Many magazines and journals now provide web site reviews. See the materials list for specific examples.

When using the content on a web site for an academic paper or for publication, give credit to the author.  Gather the following information from each web site you use.

For more detailed information on using the parts of PASS to evaluate a web site or book use the detailed 'how to' for using PASS. The class presentation outline has an example for class presentations. This outline links to handouts, worksheets and example materials that can be used for class.

Additional Reading:

Created by Theresa Borchert 6-10-1998  Last update 9-27-06
Send comments or corrections to borchert@cord.edu
Carl B. Ylvisaker Library, Concordia College, Moorhead,Minnesota
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