Mr. Modem
Subscriber Log in
Email:
Password:
Remember me
Forgot Your Password?

Your Computer Questions Answered Personally by Email
Newsletter subscribers get FREE access to Mr. Modem's searchable archive. More>>
Order Now
Sample Newsletter


Mr. Modem's Library

Click to View Alphabetical Index of Articles
A-C | D-F | G-I | J-L | M-O | P-R | S-V | W-Z | View All

Finding 'Homework Helper' Websites

Helpful information abounds on the Internet. That’s the good news. The bad news is that you can’t rely on everything you read. Before depending on information found online, you have to evaluate the quality of the information, based on its source and decide whether it is one of the world’s best websites for what you are searching for. There are three tiers or levels of reliability to assess the trustworthiness of information. At the lowest level are articles published by tabloid-type sources which are usually based on a kernel of truth, enhanced by exaggeration and creative writing. This is not the type of information upon which you want to rely for your homework.

The next level up on the reliability scale is information provided by mainstream media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television), intended for the general public. At best, be leery before relying on this type of information exclusively. The quality of the data is frequently inconsistent, ranging from tabloidesque to accurate and reliable.

Located on the top tier of reliability is information (including Web-based content) authored by working professionals and experts in specific fields, truly creating the world’s best websites. The content on these websites is edited by individuals with authenticated expertise, and peer-reviewed by recognized authorities within each respective area.

Which tier of information you choose depends on your reason for needing the information. For example, if it’s for entertainment or amusement, tabloid-type sources will serve your purposes quite nicely. But if you’re seeking information to assist you with your homework or to cite as an authoritative resource, it’s important that the information be accurate, reliable, and fact-checked by professionals.

The Internet presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to evaluating information because it is possible for anybody to publish anything and call it one of the world’s best websites. It is therefore vitally important to know how to tell the difference between credible information and that which is something less than credible, and how to evaluate the quality of any information you’re contemplating using.

The Internet exemplifies the concept of caveat lector or “Let the reader beware.” When evaluating information online, take into consideration the author, his or her qualifications, the publishing body, any readily discernable bias or point of view, referral (links) to other related resources, and the quality of those related resources.

The following ‘Homework Helper’ sites are all legitimate and are some of the world’s best websites which have all received the coveted Mr. Modem “Squeal of Approval” award. Happy Homeworking!

Adventures in Education

BJ Pinchbeck’s Homework Helper

Factmonster

Google Homework Help

HomeworkSpot

InfoPlease Homework Center

National Geographic Homework Help

Refdesk.com Homework Helper



If you enjoyed this article, there's a lot more helpful computer- and Internet-related information available to you as a subscriber of Mr. Modem's Weekly Newsletter (www.MrModem.com). Subscribe today and you'll receive helpful computer tips, tricks, virus alerts, hoax information, plus prompt, personal responses to your computer questions by email!


A-C | D-F | G-I | J-L | M-O | P-R | S-V | W-Z | View All