General Purpose Internet Searching Tips for Students

Tip #1 - Know Where to Search and Why

The most popular search tools are Google, Yahoo and MSN (source: Nielsen NetRatings - January 2003). However, the most popular search tools are not always the best search tools. Web searchers should understand that the most popular search tools are commercial (for-profit) sites. As such, they are not the best places to begin for many school-related topics. For school-related topics, go elsewhere. For example, instead of trying your 'usual' search tool, explore these sites instead: AOL@School, KidsClick, Kathy Shrock's Guide or Yahooligans.

 

Tip #2 - Use ELA Skills

Effective use of your English Language Arts skills will help improve your searching skills:

• Spelling counts! Use correct spelling (including correct capitalization) when constructing a search. Skip unimportant words (a, an, the, etc.) which have no meaning in a search.
• You will increase your success at searching when you use synonyms for searching. For example, if you are looking for the fashions of ancient Egypt, you may need to search instead for clothing of ancient Egypt. Or, if your search involves a topic relating to the military, you may need to think of words such as war, battle, etc. You may want to use Merriam-Webster OnLine Thesaurus.

 

Tip #3 - Use Directories or "Hot Lists" of Internet Sites

The Internet has sites which contain human-created lists or directories similar to the Yellow Pages of the phonebook. These lists of Internet sites are arranged to help you find sites quickly by subject. A good example of a directory for school-related topics is KidsClick

• Example (using a directory): If you want to locate information on eagles using KidsClick, first locate the "Science" section of the directory and then click on "Animals". Finally, click on "eagles" in the alaphbetical list of animals. You will be taken to a hot list of sites with information about eagles.
• Example (searching a directory): To search this directory, type the word "eagle" (note, singular) in the search box and press return to see a list of sites. Important: when searching a directory, use one or two words which are general (not specific).

 

Tip #4 - Find an Expert

Some web searching tools employ experts in their fields. This is similar to a web directory, but takes advantage of the each expert's knowledge, commitment and passion about a particular topic.

 

The expert search tool - About Guides (About.com) is a good starting point for many topics. Examples include:

about.com/homework | history.about.com | math.about.com | poetry.about.com | teenwriting.about.com |

 

Teoma is another search tool which features link collections from experts and enthusiasts.

 

Tip #5 - Get More Specific with a Search Engine or a Natural Language Search Tool

A directory will allow you to conduct general searches of your topic. If you have found worthwhile information with a directory (or from an expert site), you don't have to proceed any further. However, if you need to search for more details, use a search engine such as Google, AlltheWeb or WiseNut. Review: use general words when using a directory and use more specific words when using a search engine.

 

Some search tools support natural language searching. To conduct a natural language search, make-up a question using your own words. Then, visit Ask Jeeves for Schools or Ask Jeeves and search using your question. These sites are probably the best-known natural language search tools.

 

Are you looking for pictures? Try images.google.com

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URL: http://mtsd.k12.wi.us/MTSD/District/bookmarks/search/search_pt1.html

Revised: June 23, 2003

Questions/comments: ddiener@mtsd.k12.wi.us