Applying Internet Search Techniques (Multi-platform)

Course description

Overview: Students will learn how to choose appropriate Internet search tools and to use these tools effectively. The Internet is an ever-changing medium. As a result, sites and site names might have changed since this last book was written. When possible, alternatives have been suggested. Please be aware of possible changes while training students.

Prerequisites: Students should understand the basics of Microsoft Windows 95 or later. In addition, students should be familiar with basic browsing techniques with either Internet Explorer or Netscape Communicator’s Navigator. To acquire the Internet basics, students should complete the appropriate QuickSkill CBT tutorials or have equivalent knowledge.

Skills list

Objectives help students become comfortable with the course, and also provide a means to evaluate learning. Upon successful completion of all the cases in this course, students will have been introduced to the following skills:

Assessing the validity and value of what they find

Choosing search tools appropriate for the job

Comparing search results from different search tools

Considering the limitations of Internet-based research

Constructing basic queries for keywords and phrases in a variety of search tools

Downloading files

Evaluating the usefulness of their query results

Finding downloaded files on their computer and making them usable

Finding mailing lists

Finding specific text within a Web page

Identifying a directory search feature

Identifying a newsgroup

Identifying directory search tools

Identifying a meta-search site

Identifying search-engine search tools

Searching for computer-related company Web sites

Searching for files to download

Searching for newsgroups on a specific topic

Searching for specific information within a company’s site

Using a browser to navigate to a given URL

Using Boolean search operators and parentheses in queries

Using Deja News to find newsgroups

Using engine-specific advanced search features

Using Internet resources to find addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for individuals and businesses

Using Internet white page search tools to find people’s addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses

Using Internet yellow page search tools to find business listings

Using engine-specific search operators

Using special functions in Web searches

Using the help features provided with search tools

Using Tile.net to find newsgroups

Using wildcards in queries

Viewing a Web page’s source code

Course content

Case 1: Initial Exploration

Case 2: The Basics of Searching

Case 3: Using Advanced Search Tool Features

Case 4: Finding People and Businesses

Case 5: Finding More People and Businesses

Case 6: Finding Discussion Groups

Case 7: Looking for Hardware and Software Updates

Case 8: Finding and Downloading Files

Case 9: Finding Information on the Year 2000 Computer Issue

Case 10: Researching City Information

Case 11: Planning a New Business

Case 12: Searching for Information in Your Field of Work

Case 13: Going on a Scavenger Hunt