Teaching Internet Research Skills
a seminar presented by Genie Tyburski

COURSE SECTIONS

Introduction

Myths & Misconceptions

Research Starting Points

Evaluative Skills

Hypothetical Research Exercises

Fact-Finding Exercises

NAVIGATION

Home

Search This Web

Site Map

SPONSORS

The Virtual Chase

Drexel University,
College of Information Science & Technology

Source Awareness

Instruction style: Multimedia (e.g., PowerPoint presentation, Web-based instruction) with or without teacher assistance. Also possible in the traditional classroom or with lecture-style presentation.

Credit: Technique spotted in Patrick Crispen's PowerPoint presentation entitled "Stop Searching and Start FINDING" available from Classroom Resources on NetSquirrel.com

Description: To heighten patron awareness about information sources. Ask the class where they would find answers to certain questions? Taylor the questions for the group.

What is the telephone number for the Spanish embassy in Washington?

What is the meaning of anachronism?

With which treaty did China cede Hong Kong to the British?

Note the use of pop-up windows, which allow the presenter (or a distance learning program) to hide the answer during the period of discussion. While pop-up windows offer a useful teaching technique, too much of a good thing can become tedious for the audience or end-user.

A follow-up comment/slide/screen drives home the point. For example:

What would happen if you tried to look up anachronism in the telephone book?

In search or research-oriented classes, reinforce this message with every opportunity. For example, prior to illustrating queries or research strategies, ask the group about potential sources of information.