M1 L3: Contextualized Online Search and Research Skills

• Internet research: It is a process of interactively searching for and retrieving requested information via a computer from databases that are online. This involves users entering search queries or keywords into a search engine or database interface, which then locate vast collections of data across the internet. The results are presented to users in a structured manner, offering a wide array of information, including text, images, videos, and more.
• Search Engine

  It is a software system that is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web. The search results are generally presented in a line of results often referred to as search engine result pages.
• Tips in conducting internet research

  Have a question in mind. Narrow it down. Advanced search. Look for credible sources. Give credit
• Have a question in mind.

  Focus on a question you want answered. If it is a series of questions,

  start with one. Never search everything on one go.
• Narrow it down.

  Search engines use several filters to determine the most appropriate

  results for you. These search engines use your previous history and

  your geographical location and send you the result which is the most related to you.
• Advanced search.

  The best way to filter information you get from search engines is by using advanced search. This will allow you to filter out information you do not need.
• Look for credible sources.

  Some wikis, though filled with updated information, are not credible

  source. This is due to the fact that anyone can edit its content. When

  using wikis, check out the link of the cited text (indicated by subscript

  number) to be navigated to the footnote where the list of sources is

  located. Click the source of the information and see if it is credible.
• Give credit.

  If you are going to use the information from a source for educational purposes, give credit to the original author of the page or information.
• Internet research strengths and weaknesses

  Vast Information Resource: The internet gives access to a huge amount of

  information on many different topics, which can be really useful for research.

  Information Overload: The amount of information available on the internet can sometimes be overwhelming and hard to figure out which sources are the most important or reliable.
• Internet research strengths and weaknesses

  Quick Access: Users can quickly access information with just a few clicks, allowing for immediate answers to questions.

  Quality and Credibility: Not all information found on the internet is

  accurate or credible. Some information is not checked by experts or editors, which can lead to false or biased information.
• Internet research strengths and weaknesses

  Diverse Content: Internet research offers a variety of content formats,

  including text, images, videos, and interactive media.

  Plagiarism and Copyright Issues: Internet research can unintentionally

  promote plagiarism, as users may copy and paste content without proper citation. Copyright violations are also a concern.
• Internet research strengths and weaknesses

  Search Tools: Search engines and databases make it easy to find relevant

  information by using keywords and advanced search techniques.

  Biased and Filtered Information: Search engines and algorithms may filter

  or personalize search results, potentially reinforcing existing biases and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.
• Internet research strengths and weaknesses

  Cost-Efficiency: Access to a vast amount of online resources is often free

  or requires minimal costs compared to traditional research methods.
• Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate, organize, use, and communicate information in all its various formats, most notably in

  situations requiring decision making, problem solving, or the acquisition of

  knowledge. It is a combination of research skills, critical thinking skills,

  computer technology skills, and communication skills. Information literacy

  is essential for academic success, effective functioning in the workplace, and participation in society as knowledgeable citizens.
• Information literacy describes a set of abilities that enables an individual to acquire, evaluate, and use information. You can think of information literacy as having five components: identify, find, evaluate, apply, and acknowledge sources of information. Information literacy is a lifelong learning process, something beginning before you arrive at college and developing as you grow. While each skill is individually important, understanding how they fit together is essential to becoming an information literate person.
• Refined Web Searches – use search operators that includes symbols or words in your search to make your search results more precise.
• site:website.com – provides results from a specific website.

  Example: how to get driving license site:lto.gov.ph
• AND – allows you to find search results that include both specified

  terms Example: climate change AND global warming
• “” – finds the exact words or phrase

  Example: cellular respiration + “adenosine triphosphate”
• $50 – searches for specific price of an object

  Example: $50 camera
• .. – searches within a range of numbers

  Example: iphone case 250php..500php
• @name – searches a user profile name

  Example: @bambrush
• # - put # in a front of a word and searches hashtag

  Example: #TWICE
• related:website.com – provides related websites

  example: related:youtube.com
• Google's built-in features: hidden calculator, age-appropriate results, time-zone challenged, photo magic
• Hidden Calculator - Simply head to the search bar and enter the problem or equation you want to solve. You'll know you've reached the right place when a gray, calculator-like tool appears as the search result.
• Age-appropriate Results - Google SafeSearch can help filter out mature content that may not be suitable for those under 18. You can also go a step further by using search result filters based on reading level, ensuring a comfortable browsing experience for you, your younger siblings, or friends.
• Time-zone Challenged - If you have family members in different time zones and want to avoid disturbing their sleep, simply type "time" followed by the name of a city into the search bar to instantly find the local time anywhere in the world.
• Photo Magic - Properly attributing photos is an essential research skill. Take advantage of Google Reverse Image Search by uploading any photo to Google Images and clicking "search" to discover its name and additional details.
• Website credibility: Domain, Author, Date, Sources
• Domain – Evaluate the website's domain name to check if it aligns with the content and purpose of the site. Look for reputable top-level domains like .gov, .edu, and .org, which often indicate official, educational, or non-profit organizations.
• Author – Check the author or organization behind the website's content. Look for information about the author's qualifications, expertise, or the organization's reputation. Websites with credible authors or well-known organizations are more likely to provide reliable information.
• Date – Consider the recency of the information presented on the website. Check for the publication or last update date to ensure the content is up-to-date and relevant.
• Sources – Examine whether the website cites credible sources for the information presented. Reliable websites usually provide references, citations, or links to support their claims.