Why the websites were chosen.


There are various reasons why each of the websites from which the students had to consider were chosen.  Each contains various issues for students to analyze for the various aspects of information literacy criticism.

Site #1:  Global Change http://www.globalchange.com/Cloning/

Global Change is an archive site that has accumulated various articles and videos on the topic of cloning.  This site touts itself as having 12 million viewers.  It is run by an individual, Dr. Patrick Dixon.  He claims to be a futurist. This site, although linking to good primary sources on the subject, is a site pushing the commercial interests of the author. 

Site #2:  Human Cloning Foundation http://www.humancloning.org/

This is the official website of the Human Cloning Foundation.  It has a distinct bias in support of human cloning, and many of the links and advertisement on the site support this bias.  Although the HCF is a non-profit organization, it is still an organization that needs to be analyzed for authorship.

Site #3:  I Can Do That! Cloning http://www.eurekascience.com/ICanDoThat/cloning.htm

This is a site geared toward kids in content presentation.  It is run by 'Dr. Pat' who offers help for understanding science for students who are confused.  Students should examine the authorship.  There is also a section for parents and teachers with limited information about cloning, genetic engineering, and how it works.  This site has usability issues, with cluttered space and difficult links to find information.  The various advertisements are strangely placed, and visitors could click on them without realizing they are leaving the main site.

Site #4:  Human Genome Research Institute  http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10004765

This is a site generated by NIH, and provides a good example for finding appropriate material for research use.  A bias still exists, although less blatant.  Easy for students to find supporting material for critically analyzing site.

Site #5:  Ezine Articles  http://ezinearticles.com/?Reproductive-Cloning

This article is published through ezine.  It provides information about the author as an expert, although the site itself may be questionable due to its nature as a magazine.  An interesting type of page where the students can decide if the site is a reasonable research site.

Site #6:  Akorra Article  http://akorra.com/2010/11/14/human-cloning-top-10-arguments/

With its blog-like quality, this site immediately sends red flags.  This is a great site to show the 'not okay' website, as it fails all of the criteria evaluations.