Based on materials published by the Open University, a presentation of the PROMPT framework for evaluating websites.

1. Assessing Web Sites
L&D professionals
operating in the digital world
J Holmes based on materials from the Open University UK

2. Background
• Critical evaluation of information is an
essential skill.
• This is particularly so in the digital realm,
where existence can masquerade as authority.

3. A simple framework…
• A structured approach to evaluate information
• Assess the quality and relevance of websites

4. PROMPT
• Presentation
• Relevance
• Objectivity
• Method
• Provenance
• Timeliness

5. Presentation
• Is the information clearly communicated?
• Look at language, layout, structure, etc.

6. Relevance
• does the information match the needs of the
searcher?
• Look at the introduction or overview – what is
it mainly about?

7. Objectivity
• Is the author’s position of interest made clear?
• Look for an introduction or overview – do the
writers state their position on the issue?
Is the language emotive?
Are there hidden, vested interests?

8. Method
• Is it clear how research data was collected?
• Were the methods appropriate? Do you trust
it?

9. Provenance
• Is it clear where the information has come
from?
• Can you identify the authors or organisations?
How was it published?

10. Timeliness
• Is it clear when the information was
produced?
• Does the date of the information meet your
requirements? Is it obsolete?

11. Reference
Open University, Module H800
http://learn.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.p
hp?id=515728