The Internet and Using Search Engines

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.

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
• BE A NINJA. Try using the Advanced Google Search
• BE A SUPER NINJA. Try writing Advanced Google Search terms as code right in the browser!

Search Engine Ninja Exercise:

Research the questions below using a search engine or engines. Use advanced search techniques or specific sites to discover your answers. Compile the answers to all 10 questions and email them to me at swilson@santacruz.k12.ca.us

1. What are the names of all the band members of Skid Row. What are their home towns?

2. I need to buy a new camera, it must be a DSLR. What is the best one? How much will it cost? Who sells it the cheapest?

3. What is the highest recorded temperature for Chicago in August?

4. What is the HTML Tag that defines Emphasized text?

5. When did the TV show "Twin Peaks" go off the air?

6. Suggest a good italian restaurant San Francisco.

7. What were the Oscar Nominees for Best Picture in the year you were born?

8. Who is James Burke?

9. In art, what is the definition of "Negative Space"?

10. What do the letters in HTML stand for?

Compile your answers and email them to me. Make sure you include your name and title of this exercise in the subject of your email.

Welcome Students

Hello Students,

Welcome to the beginning of your ROP Web Design Class. This course will focus on hand coding websites with HTML and CSS, as well as understanding and creating digital media and computer graphics. ROP stands for Regional Occupational Program, which means we also study and develop the skills you will need to find employment in today's competitive job market as well. Your instructor, Seth Wilson has been working in the creative industry since 1996 and continues to develop world class motion graphics and design as an independent contractor.

Syllabus: All students will be given a syllabus, this must be reviewed with a parent or guardian and signed and returned asap.

Materials: Each student should have a USB thumbdrive of at least 4GB capacity for transferring files and backing up classwork.

I also request that each student has a notebook for use during class, taking notes on operational procedures, lectures, videos, etc... is crucial. Students are often asked to write short response papers, write proposals or sketch ideas. Sketching, exploration and brain-storming skills are crucial to design.

Day 1 Agenda:

- Introduction and demo reel

- Syllabus, Computer Use Forms, Permission Forms, Student Questionnare

- Overview of Class Procedures

- Equipment and Computer Use Protocol

- Q&A

... Stay tuned...