Project Integrate Texas Searching the Internet Resources


Searching the Internet
Using the Internet can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. Making the most of the time available is a goal for all teachers and students. This document lists a multitude of search resources that will help you find what you need on the Internet efficiently and quickly. Searching Tips Identify key words in your search question (What are the popular methods for losing weight?) Avoid single word searches. Use several words that describe what you are looking for. Use Boolean operators to refine your search Using and narrows the search by finding sites which have BOTH words present (Example: heart and disease) Using not narrows the search by finding sites which exclude words (Example: schools not middle) Using or will broaden your search by finding sites which include either words (Example: drama or theater) Using near narrows the search by telling the search engine to look for words close to others (Example: "heart disease" near prevent) Put a plus in front of each word to find all of those words somewhere on each page Put a minus in front of a word to make sure no pages are returned with that word Enclose all words in a phrase in quotes to find that exact phrase on a web site Combine symbols to fine-tune your search, (Example: +“July fourth” –picnic –food) Use correct spelling and avoid ALL CAPS The asterisk can be used as a wildcard to search simultaneously for several words with the same stem (Example: educat* would locate educator, educators, education, educational) The above combinations work with about 90 percent of search engines. However, most search engines give specific information about how to search their site. This information is often provided by a hyperlink called “Advanced Search” or in the Help section. Search Engines/Directories The following sites offer a variety of information to help teachers develop effective search strategies:
	Search Engines Search engines are the most commonly used tool to find information on the Web. Search engines allow the user to enter keywords which can be either words or phrases. Search engines send out spiders (sometimes called bots or crawlers) that constantly examine the words on Web pages and create an index or catalog of the words or combinations of words. When you type your search criteria, the engine compiles a list of all the Web pages in its index or catalog containing those words and generates a list of their URLs. Some of the most popular search engines are: • Google • Altavista • HotBot by Lycos Directories Directories usually include only sites that have been reviewed by real people. These sites are then placed in categories. Since the search process takes time, directories often provide fewer but generally more accurate hits. Some of the more popular directories are: • Yahoo! • EduHound • Opendirectory search • LookSmart Meta-Search Engines A meta-search engine scans multiple search engines simultaneously and provides results based on the keyword(s) submitted. Meta-search engines can save time, but it's best not to rely on them exclusively. Since search engines interpret search terms differently, one or more of them might misunderstand your keyword(s). Vivísimo is a meta-search engine that allows users to search the Web or specific sites such as MSN™ and Lycos ®. Be aware that Vivísimo only searches URLs, titles, and descriptions from other search engines' results pages and not the actual Web sites themselves. Vivísimo also features a new technology called a clustering engine, which organizes search results into categories. Some other meta-search engines are: • KARTOO • DogPile Kid-friendly Search/Directories These directories can be helpful for student and teacher research. Grades K-8 • Yahooligans! • HowStuffWorks • Ask Jeeves Kids • Eduhound • Enchanted Learning • Kid Grid • Kids.Net.Au • Kid’s Search Tools • Kid’s Click (Created by Librarians) • Super Kids! • Tek Mom • Kids Konnect • Ivy’s Search for Kids Grades 8-12 • Education World • AOL @ School • BUBL Reference Link • Infomine Scholarly Internet Resource Collections • Schrock Guide • All the Web • Mamma (The Mother of all Search Engines) • Search Edu Others • Awesome Library (Free Online Libraries) • The Library of Congress • The Internet Public Library • Library Spot • Encyclopedia.com • Britannica.com • Encyclopedia Smithsonian • WiseNut • Teoma • PicSearch • IXQuick • Profusion

Some of this information was adapted from: http://www.searchenginewatch.com Lewin, Larry. (2001) Using the Internet to Strengthen Curriculum. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

This site developed by Education Service Center Region 12 in Waco, Texas is provided for
educators participating in the Project Integrate Training created by Apple Computer, Inc.