Finding Information - Learning Pathway

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Learning Pathway: Finding Information

The purpose of this module is to help you find and use information. We include help on how to assess whether the information you find is credible and we touch on how this could enhance the teaching and learning in your classroom.
	Introduction


We introduce you to search engines and the first search engine we use is called Ask Jeeves. Throughout this and other modules we use a website evaluation form where you can record and share opinions about the educational value of the websites you find.
	Activity 1 Your first search

This activity is concerned with identifying topics and drafting good questions that your learners will answer by searching the Internet.
	Activity 2 Choose your topic for this module

We explore different search engines in this activity and find out how to use particularly subject directory search engines.
	Activity 3 Comparing search results

All sections of activity 4 are concerned with evaluating the information you find. This first one helps you determine what the purpose of a website may be. This is not always easy but we provide some guidelines.
	Activity 4A Evaluating information: What is the purpose of the site?

Information on the Internet is not always to be trusted and this activity helps you determine how credible and authoritative the authors are.
	Activity 4B Determining how credible a website is

The next activity in this section deals with how accurate information might be by comparing two sites about South African culture.
	Activity 4C The accuracy of information

This activity warns us about accepting only one-sided opinions we find on the Internet.
	Activity 4D Bias

Google is the search engine we will use in activity 5. Before we get there, we explore techniques for choosing the keywords we will use in our search.
	Using keyword search engines.

Although this activity suggests using Google there is optional reading and help given on other search engines including one which is called a multiple search engine. There is also an optional activity of a scavenger hunt for you to test your new found skills.
	Activity 5 Using a keyword search

This activity will help you decide which search engine is best for the type of information you need and helps you become familiar with the ones that give you the best results.
	Activity 6 Comparing search engines

The following activities are optional This activity explains how you can create a one lesson activity called a Web Byte for learners to use their seach skills and to make them think about the information they find.
	Activity 7 Creating Web Bytes

We all need to be aware of copyright and intellectual property issues. This activity provides some guidelines and background information.
	Activity 8 Copying ideas

Before this activity, we provide optional readings on plagiarism and some guidelines on how to cite and acknowledge the sources you use. This final activity explores the difficult process of putting ideas together to create meaning.
	Activity 9 Synthesis activity for learners

There is a range of recommended reading and activities that follow this final activity. These include ways of working with information, assessing information and presenting information.
	Taking it Further

	Self-assessment Form

	Module Evaluation Form

Finding Information

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