HNU Library: Education Research Guide: Web Resources

What is a Credible Web Source?

When evaluating a web site, check these basic points:

Author – if you cannot determine who is responsible for the content of a website (either an individual or organization), you won't be able to gauge their expertise or relationship to the subject.
Domain – the last segment of the "root" of the URL (for example, hnu.edu) will tell you if the source of information is educational (.edu), governmental (.gov), or commercial (.com).
Date of creation or revision – it is important to establish that any content containing data, facts or statistics is up-to-date and still relevant.
Intended audience – if the content is intended for an academic audience, the website should provide information that can be verified using citations or external links.
Purpose of the information – the ratio of content to advertisement will tell you whether the site is being used to inform readers, or to make money.

Common Core State Standards Initiative
Provides an overview of the Common Core Standards by grade level and subject, as well as links to individual states implementing the standards.
NCELA Resource Library
A searchable database of over 20,000 items—including research articles, literature reviews, reports, classroom materials, curricula, fact sheets, multimedia products, and more—to help stakeholders learn about and advance English learner (EL) education.
Open Educational Resources Commons
A fully indexed and searchable library of freely accessible educational resources, contributed by educators from around the world.
Source for Learning
This nonprofit organization offers a collection of original and reviewed digital resources for teachers of different levels, as well as professional guidance to use the resources effectively.

	California Teachers Association
	National Education Association
	California State Commission on Teacher Credentialing
	National Association of Special Education Teachers