Step Three:
What does it mean that this article and its editors are subject to General Sanctions?
The Arbitration Committee may impose general sanctions on all editors working in a particular area, usually following a request for arbitation. This means there may be consequences for editors who are making disruptive or inaccurate edits. Restrictions may be placed on accounts and individuals may be banned from editing related articles.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Global Warming Article: Step Two
Step Two:
Chose a claim to verify. Using Google, find two websites - one supporting, one disputing. Use the Website Evaluation Checklist.
CLAIM:
Human activity since the Industrial Revolution has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to increased radiative forcing from CO2, methane, tropospheric ozone, CFCs and nitrous oxide.
SUPPORTING
Name of page: How we know human activity is causing warming
Address/URL: http://www.edf.org/climate/human-activity-causes-warming
Date Accessed: June 2, 2013
How did you find the page? Google
DOMAIN
What is the domain of the page?
.org
Do you feel that the domain type helps add to or lessen the page’s credibility?
This page is provided by the Environmental Defense Fund. Since they are organized to save the environment, they would be biased toward global warming.
AUTHOR/AUTHORITY
Is the author of the page identified?
No
Is the author of the page an individual? (ex. John Jones as the author of his own website)
The author of the page is not identified.
If no individual author is identified, is the corporation, institution, organization or group responsible for the web site clearly identified?
The page is clearly identified as the Environmental Defense Fund.
If the author is a corporation/institution/organization or other group:
Does the organization have a reputation for credibility?
The organization has a reputation for being knowledgable about environmental concerns. The website lists the panel of experts that contribute to the site.
Does the organization explain its purpose, mission, goals, or guiding principles?
The organization includes its mission statement and history on their website.
Does the organization provide the names of its officers, editors, staff or other major participants?
The organization has a plethora of information, including history, contact information, offices, annual reports and financial information.
Does the organization provide contact information (phone, address, or at least an e-mail address)?
Yes.
Does the organization appear to filter the information appearing under its name?
It appears to.
Does the organization display any obvious signs of bias?
The organization is dedicated to the defense of the environment. Therefore, they will be biased toward global warming and the effects of humans on the environment.
In conclusion, do you think that this organization is qualified to present the information found on its web page?
With the list of experts and history, I believe that this webisite is qualified to present the information found on its web page.
INTENT
Is the purpose of the page clearly stated?
The pages purpose is clearly stated.
"As far as scientists are concerned, it's case closed: human activity is causing the Earth to get warmer, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, with a smaller contribution from deforestation. All other scientific explanations for why the Earth is getting warmer have been eliminated."
What is or appears to be the purpose of the page?
This pages explains why they believe human activity is the cause of global warming and attempts to persuade readers of the same.
Does the page contain advertisements? Do the ads distract from the page’s content, affect the page’s reliability, or appear to be the main focus of the page? Might they be necessary to support the organization responsible for the page?
There is only one ad on the page and it is for donations to the site.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Who appears to be the intended audience for this information/page?
The site appears to be intended for people looking for information about global warming.
Does the level or complexity of information provided, the vocabulary used, and the overall tone of the information/page match your needs?
While the site contains some "big words", it does a good job explaining using layman terms.
CURRENTNESS
When was the information on the page created or last updated?
The site appears current, but I couldn't locate a creation date.
Are the dates of articles, news stories, newsletters, reports and other publications given?
Not on this page, but other articles include dates.
Is the page properly maintained or does it have broken links, outdated events calendars or other signs of neglect?
The page is update and contains no broken links.
RELIABILITY
Is the content peer-reviewed, authenticated by experts, or subject to some sort of editorial scrutiny?
They have a panel of experts on various environmental issues. They include sources from other sources, but no peer-review.
Does the page display any awards given by reliable sources, or link to favorable site reviews by reliable sources?
Yes.
Considering your answers to the previous questions, other observations you’ve made, and your overall sense of the page, how reliable does this source seem?
While biased toward global warming, this appears to be a reliable resource.
CONCLUSIONS
Do you feel that this source is appropriate for your current assignment or information need?
Yes
Would you recommend this source to a friend doing similar research?
Yes
What reservations, if any, do you have about the source?
My only reservation is the site's obvious bias.
OPPOSING
Name of page: Is global warming caused by human activity?
Address/URL: http://home.comcast.net/~pdrallos131681/CO2/co2.pdf
Date Accessed: June 2, 2013
How did you find the page? Google
DOMAIN
What is the domain of the page?
.net
Do you feel that the domain type helps add to or lessen the page’s credibility?
I think the domain type lessens the page's credibility.
AUTHOR/AUTHORITY
Is the author of the page identified?
Yes. Paul Drallos, Ph. D (Physics)
Is the author of the page an individual? (ex. John Jones as the author of his own website)
Yes
If the author is an individual:
Is the author clearly affiliated with a corporation, institution, organization or group?
I do not see any corporation or institute the author is affiliated with.
If so, does this affiliation lend credibility to the author?
Are the author’s educational, occupational or other credentials identified?
The author has a PhD in Physics.
Is the author a professional in the field or a layperson interested in the subject?
Professional, but not in the field of environmental science.
Does the author present any other evidence that supports his/her ability to accurately present the information that he/she is presenting?
The author presents evidence and graphs.
Does the author display any obvious bias (religious, political, commercial or other)?
The author is obviously biased stating "only irrational logic could support such a choice" when referring to global warming.
Is the author the original creator of the information presented?
Yes.
If not, does the author acknowledge the sources of the information he/she is presenting?
The author offers references for his supporting data.
Does the author provide his/her contact information (usually an e-mail address)?
No.
In conclusion, do you feel that the author is qualified to present the information found on his/her web page?
No.
INTENT
Is the purpose of the page clearly stated?
The pages purpose is stated. However, I'm not sure if he is pointing out that global warming is a falsehood or the science behind it is faulty.
What is or appears to be the purpose of the page?
The purpose of the page is to present an opposing view of global warming.
Does the page contain advertisements? Do the ads distract from the page’s content, affect the page’s reliability, or appear to be the main focus of the page? Might they be necessary to support the organization responsible for the page?
No ads.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Who appears to be the intended audience for this information/page?
The site appears to be intended for people who oppose global warming.
Does the level or complexity of information provided, the vocabulary used, and the overall tone of the information/page match your needs?
The site contains simple words.
CURRENTNESS
When was the information on the page created or last updated?
July 9, 2008/Updated October 24, 2009
Are the dates of articles, news stories, newsletters, reports and other publications given?
Yes.
Is the page properly maintained or does it have broken links, outdated events calendars or other signs of neglect?
The PDF version of the page is ok; however, the site is full of broken links and missing images.
RELIABILITY
Is the content peer-reviewed, authenticated by experts, or subject to some sort of editorial scrutiny?
No.
Does the page display any awards given by reliable sources, or link to favorable site reviews by reliable sources?
No
Considering your answers to the previous questions, other observations you’ve made, and your overall sense of the page, how reliable does this source seem?
I wouldn't consider this a reliable source.
CONCLUSIONS
Do you feel that this source is appropriate for your current assignment or information need?
No
Would you recommend this source to a friend doing similar research?
No
What reservations, if any, do you have about the source?
It is obviously biased and doesn't contain enough expertise or evidence.
Chose a claim to verify. Using Google, find two websites - one supporting, one disputing. Use the Website Evaluation Checklist.
CLAIM:
Human activity since the Industrial Revolution has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to increased radiative forcing from CO2, methane, tropospheric ozone, CFCs and nitrous oxide.
SUPPORTING
Name of page: How we know human activity is causing warming
Address/URL: http://www.edf.org/climate/human-activity-causes-warming
Date Accessed: June 2, 2013
How did you find the page? Google
DOMAIN
What is the domain of the page?
.org
Do you feel that the domain type helps add to or lessen the page’s credibility?
This page is provided by the Environmental Defense Fund. Since they are organized to save the environment, they would be biased toward global warming.
AUTHOR/AUTHORITY
Is the author of the page identified?
No
Is the author of the page an individual? (ex. John Jones as the author of his own website)
The author of the page is not identified.
If no individual author is identified, is the corporation, institution, organization or group responsible for the web site clearly identified?
The page is clearly identified as the Environmental Defense Fund.
If the author is a corporation/institution/organization or other group:
Does the organization have a reputation for credibility?
The organization has a reputation for being knowledgable about environmental concerns. The website lists the panel of experts that contribute to the site.
Does the organization explain its purpose, mission, goals, or guiding principles?
The organization includes its mission statement and history on their website.
Does the organization provide the names of its officers, editors, staff or other major participants?
The organization has a plethora of information, including history, contact information, offices, annual reports and financial information.
Does the organization provide contact information (phone, address, or at least an e-mail address)?
Yes.
Does the organization appear to filter the information appearing under its name?
It appears to.
Does the organization display any obvious signs of bias?
The organization is dedicated to the defense of the environment. Therefore, they will be biased toward global warming and the effects of humans on the environment.
In conclusion, do you think that this organization is qualified to present the information found on its web page?
With the list of experts and history, I believe that this webisite is qualified to present the information found on its web page.
INTENT
Is the purpose of the page clearly stated?
The pages purpose is clearly stated.
"As far as scientists are concerned, it's case closed: human activity is causing the Earth to get warmer, primarily through the burning of fossil fuels, with a smaller contribution from deforestation. All other scientific explanations for why the Earth is getting warmer have been eliminated."
What is or appears to be the purpose of the page?
This pages explains why they believe human activity is the cause of global warming and attempts to persuade readers of the same.
Does the page contain advertisements? Do the ads distract from the page’s content, affect the page’s reliability, or appear to be the main focus of the page? Might they be necessary to support the organization responsible for the page?
There is only one ad on the page and it is for donations to the site.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Who appears to be the intended audience for this information/page?
The site appears to be intended for people looking for information about global warming.
Does the level or complexity of information provided, the vocabulary used, and the overall tone of the information/page match your needs?
While the site contains some "big words", it does a good job explaining using layman terms.
CURRENTNESS
When was the information on the page created or last updated?
The site appears current, but I couldn't locate a creation date.
Are the dates of articles, news stories, newsletters, reports and other publications given?
Not on this page, but other articles include dates.
Is the page properly maintained or does it have broken links, outdated events calendars or other signs of neglect?
The page is update and contains no broken links.
RELIABILITY
Is the content peer-reviewed, authenticated by experts, or subject to some sort of editorial scrutiny?
They have a panel of experts on various environmental issues. They include sources from other sources, but no peer-review.
Does the page display any awards given by reliable sources, or link to favorable site reviews by reliable sources?
Yes.
Considering your answers to the previous questions, other observations you’ve made, and your overall sense of the page, how reliable does this source seem?
While biased toward global warming, this appears to be a reliable resource.
CONCLUSIONS
Do you feel that this source is appropriate for your current assignment or information need?
Yes
Would you recommend this source to a friend doing similar research?
Yes
What reservations, if any, do you have about the source?
My only reservation is the site's obvious bias.
OPPOSING
Name of page: Is global warming caused by human activity?
Address/URL: http://home.comcast.net/~pdrallos131681/CO2/co2.pdf
Date Accessed: June 2, 2013
How did you find the page? Google
DOMAIN
What is the domain of the page?
.net
Do you feel that the domain type helps add to or lessen the page’s credibility?
I think the domain type lessens the page's credibility.
AUTHOR/AUTHORITY
Is the author of the page identified?
Yes. Paul Drallos, Ph. D (Physics)
Is the author of the page an individual? (ex. John Jones as the author of his own website)
Yes
If the author is an individual:
Is the author clearly affiliated with a corporation, institution, organization or group?
I do not see any corporation or institute the author is affiliated with.
If so, does this affiliation lend credibility to the author?
Are the author’s educational, occupational or other credentials identified?
The author has a PhD in Physics.
Is the author a professional in the field or a layperson interested in the subject?
Professional, but not in the field of environmental science.
Does the author present any other evidence that supports his/her ability to accurately present the information that he/she is presenting?
The author presents evidence and graphs.
Does the author display any obvious bias (religious, political, commercial or other)?
The author is obviously biased stating "only irrational logic could support such a choice" when referring to global warming.
Is the author the original creator of the information presented?
Yes.
If not, does the author acknowledge the sources of the information he/she is presenting?
The author offers references for his supporting data.
Does the author provide his/her contact information (usually an e-mail address)?
No.
In conclusion, do you feel that the author is qualified to present the information found on his/her web page?
No.
INTENT
Is the purpose of the page clearly stated?
The pages purpose is stated. However, I'm not sure if he is pointing out that global warming is a falsehood or the science behind it is faulty.
What is or appears to be the purpose of the page?
The purpose of the page is to present an opposing view of global warming.
Does the page contain advertisements? Do the ads distract from the page’s content, affect the page’s reliability, or appear to be the main focus of the page? Might they be necessary to support the organization responsible for the page?
No ads.
INTENDED AUDIENCE
Who appears to be the intended audience for this information/page?
The site appears to be intended for people who oppose global warming.
Does the level or complexity of information provided, the vocabulary used, and the overall tone of the information/page match your needs?
The site contains simple words.
CURRENTNESS
When was the information on the page created or last updated?
July 9, 2008/Updated October 24, 2009
Are the dates of articles, news stories, newsletters, reports and other publications given?
Yes.
Is the page properly maintained or does it have broken links, outdated events calendars or other signs of neglect?
The PDF version of the page is ok; however, the site is full of broken links and missing images.
RELIABILITY
Is the content peer-reviewed, authenticated by experts, or subject to some sort of editorial scrutiny?
No.
Does the page display any awards given by reliable sources, or link to favorable site reviews by reliable sources?
No
Considering your answers to the previous questions, other observations you’ve made, and your overall sense of the page, how reliable does this source seem?
I wouldn't consider this a reliable source.
CONCLUSIONS
Do you feel that this source is appropriate for your current assignment or information need?
No
Would you recommend this source to a friend doing similar research?
No
What reservations, if any, do you have about the source?
It is obviously biased and doesn't contain enough expertise or evidence.
Global Warming Article: Step One
Step One:
Does the Wikipedia article appear to be biased in any way or does it maintain neutrality?
Bias is when a statement reflects partiality, preference, or prejudice for or against a person, object or idea. The Wikipedia article on Global Warming is biased toward the global warming. The language within the article appeals to emotion calling for man to take action.
• What facts has the author omitted?
The author of this article omits information about differing viewpoints. While there is a section called "Global warming controversy", it mainly addresses the fact that there is a controversy. It didn't give differing opinions and states that "No scientific body of national or international standing disagrees with this view, though a few organisations have non-committal positions."
• What additional information is necessary?
Additional information on the Earth's natural temperature cycle would be important. The article mainly focuses on temperatures since the Industrial age and the 20th Century. How long have temperature records been kept? Has the Earth experienced Global warming before?
• What words create positive or negative impressions?
"Warming of the climate system is unequivocal..." Unequivocal means definite, clear, leaving no doubt. Use of this word points to no other alternates. Other words and phrases used in the article to create a negative impression of global warming include: threat and dangerous anthrogenic. Additionally, I noticed that the article referred to "expert judgement". Who are these experts?
• What impression would I have if different words had been used?
Had a word other than "unequivocal" been used, global warming may not be considered of dire importance. Had the "experts" been named, more or less credability may have been given to their opnions and research.
Does the Wikipedia article appear to be biased in any way or does it maintain neutrality?
Bias is when a statement reflects partiality, preference, or prejudice for or against a person, object or idea. The Wikipedia article on Global Warming is biased toward the global warming. The language within the article appeals to emotion calling for man to take action.
• What facts has the author omitted?
The author of this article omits information about differing viewpoints. While there is a section called "Global warming controversy", it mainly addresses the fact that there is a controversy. It didn't give differing opinions and states that "No scientific body of national or international standing disagrees with this view, though a few organisations have non-committal positions."
• What additional information is necessary?
Additional information on the Earth's natural temperature cycle would be important. The article mainly focuses on temperatures since the Industrial age and the 20th Century. How long have temperature records been kept? Has the Earth experienced Global warming before?
• What words create positive or negative impressions?
"Warming of the climate system is unequivocal..." Unequivocal means definite, clear, leaving no doubt. Use of this word points to no other alternates. Other words and phrases used in the article to create a negative impression of global warming include: threat and dangerous anthrogenic. Additionally, I noticed that the article referred to "expert judgement". Who are these experts?
• What impression would I have if different words had been used?
Had a word other than "unequivocal" been used, global warming may not be considered of dire importance. Had the "experts" been named, more or less credability may have been given to their opnions and research.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Introduction - EDUC 6816
And on the sixth day, Frontier delivered onto the household a new modem. And it was good...
So, I'm back from the Stone Ages and have Internet again. While I was starting to get twitchy, my 8-year old didn't know how to function without it. She just kept complaining that her iPad wasn't working.
Introduction -
Hello, again (to many of you). My name is Anita. Currently, I work as the financial secretary for both Braxton County High and Middle Schools. I have worked in the school system for almost 14 years. Someday, I hope to get a job as a Business Education teacher.
Information literacy is vital in today's society. There is so much information. It is important to be about to determine what is fact and what is fiction. I hope to be able to pass this information on to my future students.
The video "The Machine is Us/ing Us" shows how the Web is constantly evolving and how we are attached to it. "The Machine" learns from the information we put into it and how it is used. I really enjoyed the video.
Information literacy is a crucial skill in the pursuit of knowledge. Simply put, we must understand what information is needed and have to find accurate and truthful information.
I found this video and liked what it said, "Just because you find a lot of information does not mean you have found good information!"
So, I'm back from the Stone Ages and have Internet again. While I was starting to get twitchy, my 8-year old didn't know how to function without it. She just kept complaining that her iPad wasn't working.
Introduction -
Hello, again (to many of you). My name is Anita. Currently, I work as the financial secretary for both Braxton County High and Middle Schools. I have worked in the school system for almost 14 years. Someday, I hope to get a job as a Business Education teacher.
Information literacy is vital in today's society. There is so much information. It is important to be about to determine what is fact and what is fiction. I hope to be able to pass this information on to my future students.
The video "The Machine is Us/ing Us" shows how the Web is constantly evolving and how we are attached to it. "The Machine" learns from the information we put into it and how it is used. I really enjoyed the video.
Information literacy is a crucial skill in the pursuit of knowledge. Simply put, we must understand what information is needed and have to find accurate and truthful information.
I found this video and liked what it said, "Just because you find a lot of information does not mean you have found good information!"
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Week #1 - Information Literacy and Wikipedia
My Internet is messed up (has been since Wednesday). I can't load any videos or TaskStream. I've put a trouble ticket in with Frontier and they tell me it is going to be fixed by Tuesday. Here's hoping. I hate Frontier. I'll update my blog as soon as I can watch videos.
*******************************
Through the Internet, people are able to express and share a variety of opinions and ideas. The Internet brings new perspectives and opportunities to people. Information literacy allows people to evaluate and research information beyond what they are provided through mainstream media. The video talks about video images that were released, which would have never been seen had people not been able to release them through the Internet.
The Internet cannot be limited or filtered. The video talks about how Australia tried to enact an Internet filtering and monitoring system and how it quickly failed. In a short time, it was shown that the system didn't work. The video points out that the "Filter would cover only 0.00000000000000001% of 1 TRILLION web pages." People will find a way to get information through the Internet to the people who need it.
People should be educated to understand how to interpret the messages they receive. With the massive amount of information available today, information literacy and critical literacy skills are vital for people to make informed decisions. Through teaching students who to be informed media viewers, educators enable them to become problem solvers, use judgement in forming opinions and allow them to view multiple perspectives.
Used correctly, Wikipedia can be a good informational resource. However, since it is open to anonymous editing, it should be used sparingly or as a "starting" place. Wikipedia entries usually contain links to other informational resources including research journals and articles. It is important that students are able to determine what is a reliable source.
*******************************
Through the Internet, people are able to express and share a variety of opinions and ideas. The Internet brings new perspectives and opportunities to people. Information literacy allows people to evaluate and research information beyond what they are provided through mainstream media. The video talks about video images that were released, which would have never been seen had people not been able to release them through the Internet.
The Internet cannot be limited or filtered. The video talks about how Australia tried to enact an Internet filtering and monitoring system and how it quickly failed. In a short time, it was shown that the system didn't work. The video points out that the "Filter would cover only 0.00000000000000001% of 1 TRILLION web pages." People will find a way to get information through the Internet to the people who need it.
People should be educated to understand how to interpret the messages they receive. With the massive amount of information available today, information literacy and critical literacy skills are vital for people to make informed decisions. Through teaching students who to be informed media viewers, educators enable them to become problem solvers, use judgement in forming opinions and allow them to view multiple perspectives.
Used correctly, Wikipedia can be a good informational resource. However, since it is open to anonymous editing, it should be used sparingly or as a "starting" place. Wikipedia entries usually contain links to other informational resources including research journals and articles. It is important that students are able to determine what is a reliable source.
I found this graphic on allpurposeguru.com and found it appropriate for the discussion. This blog discusses the importance of information literacy.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
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