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Activity 3: Comparing search results

Searching for information: 60 mins
Recording your results: 30 mins
Group interaction: 45 mins
Site evaluation: 15 min

 

2 hrs 30 Mins                                               



 

The purpose of this activity is to broaden your experience of types of search engines. You should be able to compare the results from different search engines and understand the value of each. We compare a search like AskJeeves with a search using a subject directory, like Yahoo.

During this activity we will introduce you to Yahoo, a subject directory. You may like to read the article What is a subject directory? before proceeding.

Before you start this activity, we also suggest that you read Using Yahoo.

Comparing search results

  1. Connect to the Internet and use Yahoo to search for information on your selected questions. If you have a problem with your topic then ask your mentor for help.


    Alternatively you can search for information about the weather and tell your mentor the maximum temperature for today in any city in SA and any city in any other continent.

  2. Share your results by writing e-mail to the group.
2a. Using the Directory and not the Search box, list all the Subject headings you chose to find the sites that were specifically on your subject.
 
2b. Give the web site name and address of one site that would provide the information
 
2c. Explain what you liked and disliked about using Yahoo. How did it differ from your experience of using AskJeeves?
  1. If there are good websites that you have found during your search, share these by completing the web site evaluation form. Click on submit once you have completed the form.

Use your e-diary to make closing comments about this activity.
 

NEXT

There are four activities (activities 4A to 4D) that help you to evaluate information. We suggest you start with: Activity 4A - Evaluating information: What is the Purpose?.
 
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