Curriculum Website Evaluation

Age level: High School (one section, the Hoover Library, is for elementary age students)

EVALUATION OF WEB PAGE	COMMENTS
Accuracy Rank: 5 points	Is the information factual and complete? Is the source of the information supplied? The information is very factual. The site even provides forms for document analysis. Many eyewitness accounts of historical events are given.
Authority: 5 points	Are the author's name and credentials included on the site? If it is an organization, is it a reputable one? Does it give a street address? This is a government site specializing in displaying copies of primary records.
Objectivity: 5 points	Is the information presented with a minimum of bias? Is there a conflict of interest between a sponsor of the site and the topic? Objectivity seems to be one of the goals of the site. It encourages discussion and interpretation of the events by giving different accounts of them.
Currency: 5 points	Is the information up-to-date for your purpose? Is the last revision date included on the page? Each page has the latest revision date posted at the bottom. The cover page was revised within the last month. In addition, the site is continually adding to its content.
Coverage: 5 points	How extensive is coverage of the topic? Did the information lead you to other sources that were useful? Coverage of the topic was extensive, with additional links to other primary sources on the site.
Design: 5 points	Is the site easily navigated? Is the purpose of the site clearly stated? Do the pages load quickly? Are graphics minimal and tastefully used? The site is easily navigated. The purpose of the site is stated on the first page. Pages loaded fairly fast. Graphics were minimal and enhanced the content.

History was my least favorite subject in high school, so it seems odd that I would select a history site as a model for a curriculum website. I'm certain, however, if this site were available when I was in high school, I would have had a different attitude toward the subject and might have actually enjoyed it.

It is fascinating to see the actual documents and read actual narratives from historical figures. I can see students engaging in discussions over different interpretations of the events. For example, in the Constitution section, students explore the issues involved in the creation and ratification of the United States Constitution and the new government it established. Students are encouraged to research the arguments of the debate over ratification. They can look at images of the actual constitution.

Since this site was designed for teachers, many lesson plans are given for the teacher to use. These lesson plans seem to be well-prepared with student discussion and interpretation encouraged.

One possible detraction from the effectiveness of the site is that it offers resource kits for sale. One tends to expect everything to be free on the Internet, especially governmnent offerings, but these seem to be supplemental materials that aren't required to use the site.

In addition to teaching ideas, the site offers workshops for teachers to learn how to use primary sources in teaching.

Overall recommendation: Highly recommended for high school U.S. history teachers.