Hello Students,
Todays Agenda:
- Lecture: The Internet
- How to use search engines
- Computer logins
- Search engine exercise
Search Engine Exercise:
Search engines allow you to search a database of web sites and files. Google and Bing allow you to search a directory of sites that have been registered by the site owners, for example yahoo. a Meta-search engine searchers other search engines, for example ixquick.
Search engines allow you to search a database of web sites and files. Google and Bing allow you to search a directory of sites that have been registered by the site owners, for example yahoo. a Meta-search engine searchers other search engines, for example ixquick.
A good searching strategy is the key to finding the information you need:
Searching Tips:
- Become familiar with more than one search engine, understand that different engines compile data differently. For example, google's boolean search technique is based upon popularity, but not always relevance.
- Be as specific as possible in your search terms. Use unique words or phrases.
- Use a niche site for your search, for instance amazon, or wikipedia.
- Use boolean operators in a meaningful manner (and, or, not)
- Pay attention to publishing dates, file sources. Not everything on the internet is true.
- Don't give up easily, adjust your search terms. Experiment to find your results.
Exercise:
Take two of the following informational questions and research to find the answers. Take10 minutes for each question and search the web. Make notes of any good search tricks you discover or new search directories that I haven't mentioned.
1. What are the names of all the band members of Weezer. What are their home towns?
2. I need to buy a new camera, it must have a minimum of 10 Megapixels. How much will it cost, what brand do you choose and who has it for sale the cheapest.
3. What is the highest temperature for Alaska in August.
4. What is the current #1 song on the radio currently.
5. When did the TV show "Twin Peaks" go off the air.
6. Suggest a good italian restaurant in the Ashland Oregon area.
7. What were the oscar nominees for Best Picture in the year you were born.
8. Who is James Burke.
9. Find a book on teaching dogs how to do tricks.
Compile your two answers and email them to me. Make sure you include your name and title of this exercise
