Critical Web Literacy Case Study

In this assessment you will apply critical web literacy skills to the analysis of a website or online platform of your choosing (e.g. social networking site, multiplayer game interface, business or industry site, wiki or blog etc.).

The case study should include:

• aspects of design relating to navigation, mechanics, and layout;
• assessment of credibility, accessibility, creativity, copyright and privacy;
• effectiveness of the website/platform in terms of collaboration, sharing, distribution,
• participation and openness;
• textual and visual analysis of content.

In this evaluation students must apply key web literacy concepts and approaches discussed in the unit, and suggest ways in which the website or platform might be improved. Prior to final submission, you will be given the opportunity to discuss your case study in tutorials and respond to peer and tutor feedback.

Use one of the following approaches:

Analyse the website in terms of the form/content paradigm…

• critical evaluation of the content – the bias of the web content or service, or the political, economic, cultural, social context...
  • what is the source of the information/service?
  • what are the interests of the person or organization that created it?
  • how do they represent the topic, idea etc?
  • who is the information/service aimed at?
• critical evaluation of the form – the way the content or service is ordered, organized, structured...
  • how does the search engine prioritise or hierarchise information?
  • what pathways of interaction and communication are enabled (or disabled)?
  • how does the code or algorithm constrain the user’s access or possible actions?
  • what are the default settings (e.g. opt-in, opt-out)?
  • how is user-activity tracked (e.g. cookies)?

Or consider some of the following questions…

• who created the website or platform?
• what is its purpose? Who is it for?
• is it easy to navigate?
• is the layout appropriate to web design guidelines and protocols?
• is the content easy to interpret? (i.e. textual and visual)
• is it accessible and functional across all interfaces? (mobile, tablet, computer, different browsers)
• what aspects of collaboration, sharing and distribution are enabled? (open, closed, moderated)
• is the information credible? On what basis?
• does the site enable social interaction between users? How?
• are there copyright issues or restrictions?
• what are the terms and conditions? Are they easily located and written in plain speak?
• is there a privacy policy relating to the use of personal data? Is it easily located and written in plain speak?
• how could the website or platform be improved?

And finally…

• What key concepts and/or approaches will you include in your evaluation?

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