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Activity 6: Comparing search engines

Communication with mentor: 30 mins
Searching for information: 90 mins
Communication with the group: 30 mins

2 hrs  30 Mins



 

The purpose of this activity is to:

  • practise using different search engines when searching for the same information; 
  • compare the search engines and note the strengths and weaknesses of each one for a particular type of search.

Each search engine searches for information differently and you should experiment with using various types of search engine. As you do so, notice what is successful for you and what is not. Share this information with your group and your colleagues. In this way you will learn good techniques and your searches will become more and more successful.

Comparing search engines

In this activity you will compare using AskJeeves, Yahoo and Google to find information.
  1. Choose a question on a topic that interests you. Discuss the question with your mentor before you continue. Send e-mail to your mentor and give your topic and your question. Also indicate what keywords you will use in the search.
  2. Experiment with searches while you wait for a reply from your mentor (it could take a day or two). Once your mentor has commented on your choice of question and keywords, use ALL THREE search engines to find information to answer your question.
  3. Write e-mail to your group and explain what information you were searching for. Mention what keywords you used in your search. Explain which search engine was the most successful for your particular search. 
  4. You will receive similar messages from your group. Make comments (where you are able to) on the searches that your group members have conducted.

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

 


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You can either read Using information as preparation for the optional Activity 7, OR go directly to the page Taking it further to complete the module.

 
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