Website Evaluation

"The content of this website is just not presented well. The layout is not convenient; there isn’t a table of contents, a list of resources, or a site map, and there are quite a few dead links, which means that the information probably isn’t very accurate. In addition, something doesn’t match up with the way the content is presented and the website’s targeted audience. I can’t decide if the targeted audience is supposed to be young children or young adults. The “How to Use the 1492 Exhibit” link on the homepage opens up a page that would seem to be child-friendly; it describes in very simple, basic terms how the miniature ship icon can be used to navigate through the website and where the icon will be located. The EXPO Shuttle Bus idea also appears to be directed more toward young children. However, the rest of the content seems to be too advanced for young children; the information would go right over their heads. If the targeted audience was supposed to be young adults, then those same features would seem inappropriately childish."

This is an excerpt from my Website Evaluation project. We were required to compare and contrast two different websites provided by the instructor and decide whether or not they could be used as an educational tool in the classroom. The website I referred to above was a nonprofit organization website that provided information on the history of America from the year 1492. However, I didn't like the website at all because it wasn't credible, it wasn't visually appealing, and it contained several dead links, which meant it wasn't updated. The only link the website provided that I thought was of any use was the “free” EXPO Shuttle Bus, which took viewers on virtual EXPO tours to various places all around the world. I thought it was a neat concept from which teachers could gather ideas on how to create their own virtual Shuttle Bus, like the EXPO Shuttle Bus. They could organize electronic field trips, which would correspond to the subjects they were teaching in class.

The problem I had with this assignment was that, honestly, I did not care for it. It was extremely tedious and time-consuming and I was left with one big headache. If I had been able to pick one of my own websites to evaluate, I could have maybe picked a website that interested me and I felt I could have elaborated on more. As it turns out, history is my least favorite subject! Oh well...you win some, you lose some!

If you'd like to read more of my Website Evaluation, click here: Website Evaluation