Search and assess on-line information

This unit covers determining, locating and retrieving information using the Internet, intranet or extranet. It also covers evaluation of the search results.

A learning object forms this unit's main learning resource.

Learning Materials:

Learning Object: Search and Assess On-Line Information

This on-line course will assist you in identifying how best to search for information on the Internet, check the gathered information's reliability, assist you in understanding how to evaluate website information and deal with a range of emerging Internet data issues such as plagarism, copyright and referencing.

Resources

If you wish additional experience in learning the search techniques on the Internet, the following tutorials would be of assistance.

Cybertutorials

The following interactive learning objects form a series of five to provide a further complete step-by-step tutorial which demonstrates an effective research strategy for assignment topics.

	This tutorial demonstrates an effective research strategy for assignment topics. Throughout the tutorial you complete activities to brainstorm the topic, narrow the focus, brainstorm keywords, select vital keywords, evaluate search results, search relevant organisations, and widen your search. A summary of the information presented is available to download for later reference. This is the first of a series of five activities.
	This tutorial demonstrates an effective research strategy for complex assignment topics. Throughout the tutorial you complete activities to develop their understanding of the topic, narrow the focus, find keywords in the topic, brainstorm, generate alternative keywords, check several websites, use various search engines, and find more keywords as you research. A summary of the information presented is available to download for later reference. This is the second of a series of five activities.
	This tutorial demonstrates how to use keywords effectively when conducting Internet searches. Throughout the tutorial you complete activities to develop an understanding of the impact on their searches of the use of spaces, correct spelling, order of words, exact phrases, Boolean operators, and advanced searches. A summary of the information presented is available to download for later reference. This is the third of a series of five activities.
	This tutorial demonstrates an effective research strategy for complex assignment topics. Throughout the tutorial you complete activities to develop your ability to evaluate websites for use during research. You analyse veiwpoints; check and verify facts; and consider factors such as the author and purpose of the site, how well the site is written, what the site looks like, accessiblity of information, currency of information, and possible bias. A summary of the information presented is available to download for later reference. This is the fourth of a series of five activities.
	You are introduced to a wide range of Internet search tools which are suitable for different purposes. Search engines, meta-search engines, subject directories, ask an expert services, Australian search tools, kid's search tools, reference search tools, specialised search tools, and multimedia search tools are included. Each is described in terms of how to find such tools, how they work, advantages, and disadvantages. Examples of each type of search tool are also listed with website addresses. A summary of the information presented is available to download for later reference. This is fifth and last of a series of five activities.

The following resources provide you with additional reference materials, work activities, support documents and alternative ways of understanding the topic.

Websites

NetAlert

Internet Detective

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