Website Evaluation

Title of Website: Grammar Bytes!
URL: http://www.chompchomp.com/
Date of Evaluation: Saturday July 26, 2008

What Makes a Good Website?

In my opinion, there are many things that make a website “good.” Obviously, websites should be reliable, credible, up to date, useful, bias free, serve a purpose and provide sufficient information. However, these aspects will not matter at all if the website URL is difficult to remember or spell, if the website does not look attractive and if the navigation is difficult, unclear or confusing. Essentially, I find that a good website begins with these simple aesthetic features. Then, if a website passes the “first impression” test, I look to ensure the authority, purpose, coverage, currency, objectivity and accuracy.

Aesthetic Features . . .

Grammar Bytes has a catchy name and an easy to remember and spell URL that is also humourous and possibly attractive for students as it sounds much more desirable than say, “grammargrammar” or “grammarfun.” Realistically, students are more inclined to agree that grammar does “byte” as opposed to “rocking” or being fun. Then, upon entering the site the colours are simple and easy on the eyes. The homepage is set up in a practical and effective manner with a simple heading and icon for each independent page. As a result, navigation is effortless. Students and teachers would both find this site attractive and easy to use. Thus, Grammar Bytes passes the “first impression” test with flying colours!

Authority . . .

The authority of a website clearly discloses that the person, institution or agency responsible for the site has the qualifications and knowledge to do so. Grammar Bytes does in fact clearly state who developed the site, Robin L. Simmons. In addition to this, there is an “About” link on the homepage which indicates is dedicated to “Meet Robin. Learn why she brought this site into existence. Hear about her future plans.” Which, does sound like it would provide adequate information to ensure proper authorship. However, once redirected to this page, it states, “Eventually, Robin plans to write something new here. Currently, she is busy blogging for her colleagues.” With that, I briefly checked out her blog that did not include any personal information that I could see. Her blog consisted of educationally related posts with another link to a page by Robin with a great deal of links to various readings. This would lead one to believe that the author is an educator but there is no clear indication of her qualifications. Furthermore, there is no contact information provided. Grammar Bytes has an online questionnaire which I assume would generate feedback from the author, yet there is still no e-mail or snail-mail address, phone or fax number. Finally, the website is supported by Markup Validation Services but not by any educational organization. Thus, the validity of Grammar Bytes authority is definitely in question.

Purpose . . .

The purpose of Grammar Bytes is most certainly clear. Grammar Bytes has been developed to inform, educate and provide educational resources for further educational purposes. This is clear in the organization of the links: Terms, Exercises, Handouts and Tips & Rules. Consequently, the content of these pages could be used by both teachers and students as teachers can use or distribute the material just as easily as a student could use the information online themselves. The only downfall I see in the purpose of this site is that the domain name does not indicate a purpose. Therefore, as fun as the “chompchomp” may be, it could deter some users from visiting the site. Regardless, the overall purpose once in the site is both clear and effective.

Coverage . . .

Despite my extensive exploration of Grammar Bytes, I’ve yet to fully cover this site in its entirety (though its links are not infinite as the coverage is directly stated). The author does not claim to provide comprehensive coverage of grammar, yet the site provides over 60 common grammar terms with exercises, handouts, tips and rules for each. Now that’s a lot! Thus, in comparison to other grammar sites I’ve visited, I would put the coverage of Grammar Bytes right up there at the top of my list. Of course, I do know sites that cover grammar in greater depth, but with the purpose of the site in mind, the coverage here is serving justice. Including even more coverage would most likely discourage students from utilizing the site as most grammar sites with extensive coverage tend to be geared more towards teachers than students. Therefore, I find the coverage perfectly suitable for teachers without being too daunting to students.

Currency . . .

For most sites it is essential the information be up to date. However, grammar rules are not something that changes. Thus, the education aspect of Grammar Bytes is steadily current as its product is timeless. Grammar Bytes copyright dates back to 1997 yet it appears that its author has tried to keep its images, examples and links up to date. There is a new link being added to Grammar Bytes for shopping which shows the author is attempting to be progressive. Additionally, there is a prominent feedback section where the author seems to take a keen interest in improving her site regularly. Unfortunately, I cannot validate how responsive the author is to the feedback. Moreover, there is no date specified for the latest revision made to Grammar Bytes. Overall, the material is not limited to a certain time period so the sites currency is not vital yet it would be a positive feature knowing that the site is consistently maintained.

Objectivity . . .

Grammar Bytes objective is not something one should be wary about. The site does not present any bias or subjective ideas. Moreover, the site is not trying to promote or sway its audience to believe or buy into any one thing over another. Additionally, Grammar Bytes is free of any advertisements or pop-ups.

Accuracy . . .

In accordance to most measures of accuracy, Grammar Bytes would not successfully pass a website evaluation. Grammar Bytes offers no statistics, references or bibliographical information and is not affiliated with a known institution. However, the information provided is true to the rules of grammar. The terms, exercises and handouts are all valid materials which compare to those found on other sites, in books and various notes created by educators. Thus, I would say Grammar Bytes is an accurate source.

The Verdict . . .

Despite Grammar Bytes ability to live up to each measure of what makes a “good” website, the bottom line is, I would use Grammar Bytes and I would recommend others to use Grammar Bytes as well. The site is easy to use, provides excellent resources for teachers and effective interactive activities for students. It’s attractive and offers accurate information for its purpose. Essentially, due to the nature of the subject, grammar, it is not necessary that the information be entirely current. Furthermore, as much as the authorship of Grammar Bytes is in question, any concerns that one might have in regards to the information on the site can be compared to others for validation. Thus, I highly recommend Grammar Bytes for teachers, students and anyone else who might want to brush up on their grammar skills!