Lesson 3:
Contextualized Online Search and Research Skills
introduction
What is Online Search?
Online Search
Online search is the process of interactively searching for and retrieving requested information via a
computer from databases that are online. Interactive searches became possible in the 1980s with the
advent of faster databases and smart terminals.
Ability to obtain a large sample, which increases statistical power
Data is automatically coded so no data entry errors
Reduced cost of conducting research
Advantages
Advantages
Online is not totally secure and theft is one of the numerous danger it poses, researchers
personal information is at risk of being access by rogue persons.
Some of the materials on the internet have not been evaluated by experts or thoroughly
screened.
Lack of accreditation and low quality
DIsAdvantages
Disadvantages
How search works
How Search Works
Research
SKILLS
“Research” sometimes just means finding out information about a topic. You can certainly
develop advanced information retrieval skills in Working with Sources. However, in specific
understandings of “research” carry a lot of weight. The classic definition is that “research” leads to
an original contribution to knowledge in a particular field of inquiry by defining an important
question or problem and then answering or solving it in a systematic way.
So you will need to read on to develop a relevant understanding of what research means in your
subject.
Research Skills
Research design covers the key issues in developing a successful research project.
Research methods takes you to resources on essential techniques for carrying out convincing
research.
Working with data will provide resources on the use of statistics and other numerical skills in
research.
Important aspects of research
How Can You Make Your Research Easier?
https://www.elearners.com/education-resources/online-learning/how-to-conduct-research-online/
1. Report writing.
2. Analyzing lots of information from different sources.
3. Finding information off the internet.
4. Critical thinking.
Some examples of research skills that you may have include:
Critical Thinking
Search Engines
Search Engine
A web search engine 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
results pages (SERPs). The information may be a mix of web pages, images, and other types of files.
Some search engines also mine data available in databases or open directories. Unlike web directories,
which are maintained only by human editors, search engines also maintain real-time information by
running an algorithm on a web crawler. Internet content that is not capable of being searched by a web
search engine is generally described as the deep web.
Search Engines
Video 1
Tips in Using Search Engines
Tips
A. Find the Hidden Calculator
B. Definitions and More
C. Age-Appropriate Results
D. Time-Zone Challenged
E. The Perfect Search
F. Photo Magic
G. Just for Fun
Find the Hidden Calculator
If number crunching just isn't your thing—and you need an answer fast— Google's hidden calculator is a
lifesaver. Head straight to the search bar and type in the problem or equation you're looking to solve.
You'll know you've gotten to the right place when a gray, calculator-like tool pops up as the search result.
Bonus tip: How many teaspoons equal a tablespoon? When the homework is put away and you need an
extra hand at the Chemistry lab, this tool converts measurements, too.
Find the Hidden Calculator
Definitions and More
Browsing the Merriam-Webster dictionary for hours might be a lost art, but broadening kids' vocabulary
doesn't have to be. Simply add the word "define" before a search term (for example, “define
onomatopoeia”) to bring up the proper spelling, definition, origin, and even fun tools like voice and
translation options.
Bonus tip: If you struggle with spelling, don't worry. Google will suggest and search based on the
appropriate spelling of most words, just as it does for regular searches.
Definitions and More
Age-Appropriate Results
Tools like Google SafeSearch and YouTube's Safety Mode can help filter out mature content that's
beyond what those below 18 are ready to see or read. This can also be taken a step further with search
results filter by reading level so you or your younger siblings or friends feel comfortable with what's in
front of them. Let Google annotate the results with reading levels labeled, or choose to only show basic,
intermediate, or advanced level content.
If you are looking for credible information—or your first taste of scholarly research—you can check out
Google's academic offshoot, Google Scholar.17 Bonus tip: Explore with confidence by viewing content
critically. Just because you see it online doesn't mean it's true.
Age-Appropriate Results
Time-Zone Challenged
If you have far-flung family and don’t want to wake them up in the middle of the night, you can find the
local time anywhere in the world by typing "time" and a city's name into the search bar.
Time-Zone Challenged
The Perfect Search
Let’s say the homework assignment requires you to use only one source of information. Enter your query,
followed by the URL for the website (i.e., weaving site: ncca.gov.ph/) and hit enter. You'll see only results
from that website.
Need help with weaving homework but getting search results for weaving for sale? Add a minus sign
before "sale" to eliminate sale-related results.
The Perfect Search
Photo Magic
Learning how to attribute photos is a critical research skill. With Google Reverse Image Search, you can
upload any photo to Google Images and hit "search" to find the name of it, and a whole lot more.
Bonus tip: In Google's Chrome browser, you can just right-click on any image and select "search Google
for this image." There's a Firefox addon, too.
Photo Magic
Just for Fun
If all you really need is a little distraction, go to Google and type in "tilt," browse the Google Doodle
archives, or just tell Google to do a barrel roll. You won't be disappointed.”
If you want some more keyword tricks, check out the search techniques below.
Just for Fun
Do the following and get the first link of the result:
1. Every word matters.
Try searching for [who], [the who], and [a who]
2. Order matters.
Try searching for [blue sky] and [sky blue]
3. Capitalization does not matter.
Try searching for [barack obama] and [Barack Obama]
4. Punctuation does not matter.
Try searching for [red, delicious% apple&] and [red delicious apple]
Activity
What Matters In A Query?
