Site Map
Learning Pathway
Activities

Activity 9: Comparing web search tools


Reading and Reflection: 2 hrs
Group Activity: 2 hrs
Reflection: 30 mins

 

4 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.

In order to do this activity you will be required to use a range of Web search tools. If you are not familiar with these you may like to look at this supporting content about 3 different search tools.

Group activity 9

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 tutor before you continue. Send e-mail to your tutor (using the subject heading "My_question") 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 tutor (it could take a day or two). Once your tutor has commented on your choice of question and keywords, use ALL THREE search engines to find information to answer your question.
  3. Write a message to your group (using the subject heading "Comparative searches") 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.
 
NEXT

Click here to go to Activity 10 - Evaluating web-hosted information.

 
ICT and the Roles of the Educator
Site Map | Learning Pathway | Activities

Copyright SchoolNet SA and SCOPE. All Rights Reserved.