EdTech: Improving your approach to searching online
Search engines will present you with online content for just about any subject, much of it free to use; presentations, videos, images, quizzes and more.
But often there is so much to choose from - where do you start?
This module looks at how you can make your searches for subject-specific digital resources more effective.
Aim
Improving your approach to searching for subject-specific resources online
Objective
At the end of this module you will be able to:
- Search more effectively for subject resources online
- Make better use of alternatives to search engines
Digital Teaching Professional Framework
This module covers the EdTech component - D1 : Subject and industry-specific teaching
- Go online to update your subjectspecific competencies.
- Go online to learn about new teaching methods and strategies.
- Go online to search for and identify digital resources which support professional development within your subject specific area or industryrelated field.
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Feedback about this module
Average feedback ratings
Taking note of your feedback
We greatly appreciate the time taken to provide us with feedback on each module. We regularly review all the feedback provided and use it to inform the development of new modules. Subject to funds being available and other constraints, we will amend existing modules where feedback shows this is required.Feedback from other members about this module
You are only given a limited number of times to complete the activity at the end, it would be better if this could be changed.
Some good tips and for my initial module I can understand the format and how it can be useful to our tutors.
Finishing the module wasn't well explained. It seemed to peter out rather than let me know I'd achieved everything. However, this is my first module - perhaps this is simply me
I thought it was a pretty useful reminder on refining things, and agree with the summary '(s)earches are only as good as the quality of the question asked'.
Drop down options jump when accessed on iPad
This is great, who thought you could do so much with search engines just by adding some extra words.
Useful introduction to the Boolean searches for those who haven't come across then before.
Fine as a brief intro to searching more intelligently. Examples would have been useful & it may have been good to introduce image searching and site: search given module content. Regarding an earlier review: using AND in Google is still relevant. Try searching 'planet earth' then 'planet AND earth' and you'll see the impact in the search results returned.
Optimisation on iPhone X did not allow closure of the questions once complete due to the position of the close button.
Clear explanations and easy to follow examples.
Spelling error: searches
Very useful Boolean tips.
Good content.
I enjoyed the Boolean search tips
Lovely introduction to searches on the internet "Searches are only as good as the quality of the question asked."
Useful information.
Useful information on search parameters
enjoyed this lesson learning about searching, i feel this will help me
An exercise in computer science?
Very useful tips
This was a great topic and really liked how simple the information was presented. Have already looked to see how I can use it for some of the learners I have around providing further IAG.
excellent tips will solve a lot of search issues
I do not wish to provide feedback at this time. Thank you very much indeed.
In summary, improved my awareness of different search techniques that were not known to me before undertaking this module.
Gives a good insight into use of search engines effectiveness
Good
Although boolean operators are always suggested, they are not always as effective as suggested and examples should be tried before use with learners. Learners will be used to typing in the full question they seek answering, rather than the key words that Google etc actually need. They will also rarely go beyond the first page of results, even though some gems might be lurking deeper down!
Useful to learn some new Boolean search terms
Interesting questions on the different tools of teh search engine.
Great unit simple and valuable tool.
Great module, really informative and I learned so many new skills. Got distracted testing these out searching for new teaching resources to use straight away.
I thought this was very helpful. I usually only use + not AND but the others will be helpful as well to refine searches.
Very informative.
A bit simplistic, maybe? I really liked the section on Boolean operators, though.
Has reinforced strategies. Will share with learners to support their research.
Might be too time consuming for some lecturers and students.
learnt some new key words when searching the internet
Clear explanation of Boolean search terms is really helpful
This was very interesting to read through and I enjoyed the miniature quiz. I think that more examples to "test" would have been useful.
Perhaps using the ETFoundation Website to look up a specific piece of information which demonstrates the search engine codes.
A useful short course serving as a reminder of the value of Boolean logic operators.
Good information which will increase quality of searches and cut down on time wasted on vague, irrelevant or inaccurate sites
Great help particularly using Boolean logic.
useful
Some key points that are not only useful for teachers but also useful to share with learners when developing independent study skills. Refreshed knowledge of key Boolean search terms.
I found the clip very useful, thank you.
interesting
thanks
interesting
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Further resources from other sites
Eight helpful tips on assessing information reliability on the web.
The homepage and access point to the Excellence Gateway.
A Library resource guide listing six helpful criteria for assessing...
A brief description of how to do a Boolean search in Google.
Search Operators: A list of examples of search operators and search tips...
YouTube video of the 'top ten' Google search tips and tricks.
A sheet of tips for using search engines.
Videos aimed at students by Cutlin Library - a series of animations.
Wikipedia's own information on why it is not a reliable source.