This week most of the tutorial was based on search engines. I thought this tutorial was so far the most interesting as we got to complete quizzes and the information we learnt wasn't boring. In the first activity we worked through a Monash website. This website was designed to education viewers about the different search engines. The second website we logged onto was http://www.siteseen.co.uk/questions/historytrivia/. On this website we completed the trivia quiz. This quiz was fun.
LECTURE
In this weeks lecture it started off with a quiz where we where asked useful and relevant questions for the course. The majority of the lecture was based on learning information regarding search engines. A search engine is a useful tool and a web-based application. It is used to locate information on a certain topic, which is generally presented in a text form. Although there are many ways to locate information the general aim of the lecture was to minimise and find a specific answer to a topic.
ACTIVITY 1- Monash activity.
In this activity we where to read this website and gain useful search tips from it. This became useful as one problem with using search engines is that it is hard to find an answer to a specific question. Specific information is easier to access if the right steps are taken. For example using techniques such as keywords, phrases, Boolean and advanced engine features help locate this information allot quicker.
Four main strategies which help structure a good search include:
Use several search tools.
Read the search tips or help
information at each search
engine.
For keyword searches, use
several words.
Guess a location.
One of the most useful tools I find search engines contain are online directories. Online directories are a useful research tool as they are extremely reliable and accurate. The reason for the accuracy is because all web pages that are submitted to online directories are not automatically accepted. All web pages submitted are checked manually. This encourages individuals to use directories as a main source of research, as there is no misleading information and facts on a certain topic.
ACTIVITY 2 - History trivia quiz.
The history trivia online quiz was challenging as history is not my strongest topic, therefore for each question I used different search engines to locate the answers. Although some of the answers I did know. For example I knew the answer regarding the Hiroshima bomb in Japan as I studied Japanese for 7 years and then travelled to the Japan where I visited the museum involving the history of the bombing, facts and interesting information.
Within this module I have learnt allot about search engines and easier ways to find answers to my questions. Also I have learnt about the disadvantages and problems with search engines for example; there may be too many results to a question or irrelevant data and old dated information. Also before the lecture and tutorial I wasn’t aware about online directories.
Reading 1 - Robert Harris: "Web Search Strategies"
This week’s reading is about internet search tips and strategies. This document was useful for me to read as I gained extra information about search engines. This document had 3 main parts which included how information is stored and accessed on the web, the types of search tools and suggestions on how to begin a search. I personally found the information about starting a search most beneficial.
Reading 2 - The History of the Internet: chapter 4
This reading was interesting as most of the information was supported with screen shots. The reading covered topics about directories, search engines, databases, and library catalogues. I thought this website helped me develop a better understanding about the internet.
Reading 3 - Search Engine Optimization for Companies.
The reading is a website aimed at people that own a small business. It provides information on how to advertise your business correctly on the internet. As many businesses on the internet are not easily accessible by the public therefore the aim of this website is to make these small businesses accessible to the public. I thought this website was descriptive and could be helpful to people that own a small business.
Screen shot; History Trivia online quiz.
Screen Shot : http://www.monash.com/spidap.html
