Aviation: Websites

Websites are great sources of information - some of it good, some of it bad. The websites listed on the subpages of this guide should give you good information but always beware of information obtained on the open web.

Ever feel like you're drowning in information? In our information-rich age, we have a wealth of information available to us from a variety of sources.

We need research skills such as information evaluation to help us use information effectively. Critically evaluating information allows us to select the most useful sources--ones that are relevant and credible.

Identifying and using quality information sources will allow you to better understand your topic and will add credibility to your analyses and conclusions.

Applying a set of standards to information sources will help you judge their credibility and relevancy. The evaluation process will depend on the purpose for which you are using the information. If you are settling a bet with a friend about the dates the Back to the Future movies came out you may not dedicate too much time to evaluating your sources. If, however, you are researching for an academic or professional project or looking for information to guide an important decision you will want to carefully scrutinize information sources before relying on them.

Good research involves using multiple sources of information. In addition to applying the CRAAP criteria, compare the information you find with that in other sources.

Open Educational Resources include books, assignments, labs, illustrations, lesson plans, and many other materials designed to help you teach your class. OER are available for free and can often be modified to fit a particular use.