Lesson 2 - Internet Search Engines

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MODULE 2: CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

LESSON 2: INTERNET SEARCH ENGINES – ADVANCED SEARCHING

Objectives:
Teachers should be able to use a search engine (UNESCO ICT-CFT, TL.4.f).

In Module 1, Unit 1, you learnt the basics about the Internet and searching. You were given
an opportunity to complete a basic activity on searching the WWW. In this unit you are going
to build on this knowledge by developing an understanding of Boolean logic and the way in
which it can be used to refine searching skills and techniques.

The best way to refine your searching skills and techniques is to ensure that you understand
the basics of Boolean logic. Take some time to understand the basics by reading through the
resources below.

Boolean Logic
The Internet is a vast computer database. As such, its contents must be searched according
to the rules of computer database searching. Much database searching is based on the
principles of Boolean logic. Boolean logic refers to the logical relationship among search
terms, and is named for the British-born Irish mathematician George Boole. On Internet
search engines, the options for constructing logical relationships among search terms often
modify the traditional practice of Boolean searching1.

1
Cohen, L. (2011). Internet tutorials – your basic guide to the internet. Retrieved from
http://www.internettutorials.net/.

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MODULE 2: CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

Activity 1: Reading (30 Minutes)


Read through the resources below.
 Boolean Searching on the Internet
 How Boolean Logic Works
 Basic Search Tips and Advanced Boolean Explained
 Boolean Search

Now that you have an understanding of Boolean Logic, you need to know how it can be
applied in order to generate successful search results.

Activity 2: Online Tutorial on ‘Basic Search Techniques’ (30 Minutes)


The tutorial is a ‘how to’ guide for creating searches on Web search engines. Although the
Google search engine is used as an example, keep in mind that the illustrated searches will
work on most general search engines on the Web2.
 Complete Tutorial [CC BY-NC]

We've explored some basic search techniques and these should cover many of your search
needs. Yet there is much more available. Many search engines offer a variety of other options
to help you retrieve the results you want. Google, in particular, offers all kinds of specialty
searches.

Activity 3: Online Interactive Tutorial ‘Google Guide – Experienced Users’ (1 Hour)


Google Guide is an online interactive tutorial and reference for users. The guide provides
detailed information about Google’s capabilities, features and services. The tutorial may
appear to describe basic concepts, but if you read and work through it carefully, you’ll
discover helpful insights into how Google works and how to use it more effectively3.

Complete the following sections of the Google Guide interactive tutorial ‘Part I: Query Input’:
 Interpreting Your Query [CC BY-NC]
 Crafting Your Query [CC BY-NC]
 Google’s Advanced Search Form [CC BY-NC]
 Using Search Operators [CC BY-NC]

2
Cohen, L. (2011). Internet Tutorials – Your Basic Guide to the Internet. Retrieved from
http://www.internettutorials.net/.
3
Blachman, N, & Peek , J. (2008). Google guide - experienced users. Retrieved from
http://www.googleguide.com/experienced_users.html.

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MODULE 2: CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

Self-Study (Total 1 Hour)


The following self-study activity will provide you with an opportunity to experiment with
Boolean searching. You will begin to identify the way in which the search results returned
differ as a result of the key word or words used. You will need access to a computer with
Internet connectivity in order to complete the activities.

Task 1: Understanding and Using Boolean Operators4 [CC BY-NC]


Complete the activities below.

1. Visit www.google.com and type in the following search terms. In the results column, list
the title of the first three results that come up.

AND logic
Search Terms Results
Poverty 1.
2.
3.
Crime 1.
2.
3.
poverty AND crime 1.
2.
3.

2. Visit www.google.com and type in the following search terms. In the results column, list
the title of the first three results that come up.

OR logic
Search Terms Results
College 1.
2.
3.
University 1.
2.
3.
college OR university 1.
2.
3.
college OR university OR campus 1.
2.
3.

4
Alabama Dept. of Education. (2011). Alabama learning exchange. Retrieved from
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=11203.

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MODULE 2: CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

Visit www.google.com and type in the following search terms. In the results column, list
the title of the first three results that come up.

NOT logic
Search Terms Results
Cats 1.
2.
3.
Dogs 1.
2.
3.
cats NOT dogs 1.
2.
3.

3. Go to www.google.com and type in the following search terms. In the results column,
list the title of the first three results that come up.

Search Terms Results


(cats OR dogs) AND rabies 1.
2.
3.
cats OR dogs AND rabies 1.
2.
3.

4. Go to www.google.com and type in the following search terms. In the results column,
list the title of the first three results that come up.

Search Terms Results


gray NEAR cats 1.
2.
3.
gray AND cats 1.
2.
3.

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MODULE 2: CURRICULUM & ASSESSMENT

5. Go to www.google.com and navigate to the advanced search section. Type ‘apple’ in the
‘all these words:’ search field and ‘mac’ into the ‘any of these unwanted words:’ search
field.

5.1 Which operator do you think the Google Advanced Search is making use of?
A: AND
B: OR
C: NOT
D: NEAR

6. Go to www.google.com and navigate to the advanced search section. Type ‘Policy


Document’ into the ‘Search within a site or domain’ search field.

Resources:

Cohen, L. (2011). Internet Tutorials – Your Basic Guide to the Internet. Retrieved from
http://www.internettutorials.net/.

Blachman, N, & Peek, J. (2008). Google Guide – Experienced Users. Retrieved from
http://www.googleguide.com/experienced_users.html.

Alabama Dept. of Education. (2011). Alabama Learning Exchange (ALEX). Retrieved from
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=11203.

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