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Selection policy and disclaimer for "Best of the Web"

The purpose of LEARN NC's Best of the Web collection is to provide web resources that support the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. These resources have been recommended by educational publications and listservs, educators across the state, and other sources and services dedicated to identifying the best websites for teaching and learning. All are evaluated according to selection criteria established by LEARN NC. Although the resources in the collection have been evaluated, the user must be aware that using the Internet for research is not equivalent to using a public or school library. Users of the internet must be prepared to use critical thinking skills as they assemble knowledge gleaned from various sources.

Selection criteria

The resource must:

  1. support and enrich the K-12 curriculum with accurate information.
  2. take advantage of the medium in which it is observed by presenting information as a compound document (utilizing a combination of media types) with a balance of internal and external links.
  3. be free and either noncommercial or minimally commercial.
  4. be stable and updated regularly with links that are active and well maintained.
  5. be an established and reputable site with a clearly defined author, whenever relevant.
  6. be well designed and should meet high standards for usability and accessibility.

Resources may:

  1. be designed to help educators develop professionally, collaborate with peers, and share information and ideas.
  2. assist students in preparing for school-to-work, college, and/or careers.
  3. help students develop online search skills.
  4. promote global awareness and appreciation of other cultures.
  5. promote collaborative learning, problem solving, authentic tasks, and enthusiasm for learning.
  6. help to promote lifelong learning.
  7. help educators stay informed of current technologies.

The Best of the Web collection is constantly re-evaluated and maintained and sites no longer meeting the above criteria may be removed at LEARN NC staff discretion.

(Criteria revised and adapted from The Internet Resource Directory by Elizabeth B. Miller ©1998.)

Disclaimer

The LEARN NC Best of the Web collection is provided as a service of LEARN North Carolina. All resources cited in the LEARN NC Media Center were evaluated for educational appropriateness before being added to the collection, and the LEARN NC staff strives to keep the collection updated to reflect changes in the content and location of websites. However, we cannot be responsible for inaccuracies or defects in linked resources, nor for any changes to the contents of the resources after their inclusion in the collection. Please notify us if any of these sites contain or link to offensive adult-oriented material or other objectionable content inappropriate for a K–12 student audience.

Last updated December 2, 2005