Digital Literacy - Session 3 - Effective Online Searching

• Computing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Digital Literacy

Effective Online Searching

Aims for this session:

A.C 2.1 - Use appropriate techniques to carry out and refine online searches safely.

• Know how to perform basic online searches.
• Know how to find reliable online content.

What is an internet search?

• The process of using a tool, like a search engine, to find information online. By entering keywords or questions (known as search queries) into a search engine, users can quickly access a list of websites, articles, images, videos, or other content that matches their query.

What is a search engine?

• A search engine is an online tool designed to help users find information on the internet. When you type a query (a word, phrase, or question) into a search engine, it scans its index of the web to find and display the most relevant results, usually as a list of websites or other online content.

What search engines do you know and use?

Within the trade you are working towards, what type of work related things would you search for online?

Product Specifications

Trade professionals often work with various tools, materials, and products. Having quick access to product specifications ensures that they use the right materials for the job, follow the correct installation processes, and avoid product-related mistakes.

For example, a bricklayer may look up the specifications for a specific type of cement or brick to ensure compatibility with existing structures, while a joiner might need details on timber types for different climates or load-bearing capacities.

Vocational Online Searches

Product Specifications

Trade professionals often work with various tools, materials, and products. Having quick access to product specifications ensures that they use the right materials for the job, follow the correct installation processes, and avoid product-related mistakes.

For example, a bricklayer may look up the specifications for a specific type of cement or brick to ensure compatibility with existing structures, while a joiner might need details on timber types for different climates or load-bearing capacities.

Tutorials and How-To Guides

With advancing technology, new techniques and tools are always emerging. Online tutorials and guides allow tradespeople to continuously upskill and adapt, whether it’s learning a new bricklaying pattern or understanding the mechanics of the latest electric car model.

Access to videos and step-by-step guides means students can tackle more challenging tasks and learn faster, all while reducing trial and error.

Vocational Online Searches

Product Specifications

Trade professionals often work with various tools, materials, and products. Having quick access to product specifications ensures that they use the right materials for the job, follow the correct installation processes, and avoid product-related mistakes.

For example, a bricklayer may look up the specifications for a specific type of cement or brick to ensure compatibility with existing structures, while a joiner might need details on timber types for different climates or load-bearing capacities.

Tutorials and How-To Guides

With advancing technology, new techniques and tools are always emerging. Online tutorials and guides allow tradespeople to continuously upskill and adapt, whether it’s learning a new bricklaying pattern or understanding the mechanics of the latest electric car model.

Access to videos and step-by-step guides means students can tackle more challenging tasks and learn faster, all while reducing trial and error.

Safety Guidelines

Safety is paramount in all trades, as working with heavy materials, electrical systems, or machinery can be hazardous. Online resources provide access to the latest safety guidelines, including legal standards, government regulations, and best practices.

Vocational Online Searches

Product Specifications

Trade professionals often work with various tools, materials, and products. Having quick access to product specifications ensures that they use the right materials for the job, follow the correct installation processes, and avoid product-related mistakes.

For example, a bricklayer may look up the specifications for a specific type of cement or brick to ensure compatibility with existing structures, while a joiner might need details on timber types for different climates or load-bearing capacities.

Tutorials and How-To Guides

With advancing technology, new techniques and tools are always emerging. Online tutorials and guides allow tradespeople to continuously upskill and adapt, whether it’s learning a new bricklaying pattern or understanding the mechanics of the latest electric car model.

Access to videos and step-by-step guides means students can tackle more challenging tasks and learn faster, all while reducing trial and error.

Safety Guidelines

Safety is paramount in all trades, as working with heavy materials, electrical systems, or machinery can be hazardous. Online resources provide access to the latest safety guidelines, including legal standards, government regulations, and best practices.

Vocational Online Searches

Troubleshooting and Problem Solving

Encountering unexpected issues on the job is common in trades. Online forums, discussion boards, and support sites offer solutions from other professionals who have faced similar challenges.

Techniques for Effective Searches

Specific Keywords

Use the most relevant keywords to focus your search.

Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases

If you’re looking for an exact phrase, place it in quotation marks. For instance, searching for "safety guidelines for electricians"

Filters to Narrow Results

search engines offer filters to narrow down results by date, region, file type, or type of content (e.g., images, videos).

Search for File Types

If you’re looking for specific document types, you can use the filetype: operator. 

For example, safety guidelines for bricklayers  filetype:PDF will bring up PDF documents on that topic.

Use the Minus Sign (-) to Exclude Words

To remove unwanted topics, place a minus sign before a keyword. For example, searching for motor mechanic jobs -apprenticeship

Ask Questions for How-To Results

Sometimes, simply phrasing your search as a question (e.g., "How do I wire a light switch?") can bring up tutorials, videos, or guides tailored to those specific questions

Use Boolean Operators

• Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT allow you to include or exclude specific words:
• AND (e.g., "joinery AND safety") narrows results to pages that contain both terms.
• OR (e.g., "carpentry OR joinery") broadens results to include pages with either term.
• NOT (e.g., "plumbing NOT DIY") excludes pages that contain unwanted terms, focusing your results.

How do you know if you have found reliable sources when you search online?

Check the Website’s Domain

Trusted domains include:

.gov – Government websites, which are generally reliable and authoritative (e.g., gov.uk for the UK).

.edu – Educational institutions, such as universities, which often provide peer-reviewed or well-researched content.

.org – Non-profit organisations, though they can sometimes have specific agendas, so use with caution.

Be wary of less reliable domains like .info, .biz

Checking Online Content

Check the Website’s Domain

Trusted domains include:

.gov – Government websites, which are generally reliable and authoritative (e.g., gov.uk for the UK).

.edu – Educational institutions, such as universities, which often provide peer-reviewed or well-researched content.

.org – Non-profit organisations, though they can sometimes have specific agendas, so use with caution.

Be wary of less reliable domains like .info, .biz

Checking Online Content

Evaluate the Source’s Authority

Look for author credentials to assess expertise. Reliable sources often list the author’s qualifications, background, or affiliations.

For example, an article on electrical safety by a licensed electrician or an industry expert is more credible than one written by an anonymous blogger.

Check the Website’s Domain

Trusted domains include:

.gov – Government websites, which are generally reliable and authoritative (e.g., gov.uk for the UK).

.edu – Educational institutions, such as universities, which often provide peer-reviewed or well-researched content.

.org – Non-profit organisations, though they can sometimes have specific agendas, so use with caution.

Be wary of less reliable domains like .info, .biz

Checking Online Content

Evaluate the Source’s Authority

Look for author credentials to assess expertise. Reliable sources often list the author’s qualifications, background, or affiliations.

For example, an article on electrical safety by a licensed electrician or an industry expert is more credible than one written by an anonymous blogger.

Assess the Website’s Purpose and Bias

Understand the intent behind the content. Is it educational, informative, or trying to sell something?

Check the Website’s Domain

Trusted domains include:

.gov – Government websites, which are generally reliable and authoritative (e.g., gov.uk for the UK).

.edu – Educational institutions, such as universities, which often provide peer-reviewed or well-researched content.

.org – Non-profit organisations, though they can sometimes have specific agendas, so use with caution.

Be wary of less reliable domains like .info, .biz

Checking Online Content

Evaluate the Source’s Authority

Look for author credentials to assess expertise. Reliable sources often list the author’s qualifications, background, or affiliations.

For example, an article on electrical safety by a licensed electrician or an industry expert is more credible than one written by an anonymous blogger.

Check the Content’s Accuracy and Evidence

Reliable sources provide references, citations, or links to original research, studies, or official reports.

Be cautious of content that makes bold claims without supporting evidence or relies on sensationalist language.

Assess the Website’s Purpose and Bias

Understand the intent behind the content. Is it educational, informative, or trying to sell something?

Check the Website’s Domain

Trusted domains include:

.gov – Government websites, which are generally reliable and authoritative (e.g., gov.uk for the UK).

.edu – Educational institutions, such as universities, which often provide peer-reviewed or well-researched content.

.org – Non-profit organisations, though they can sometimes have specific agendas, so use with caution.

Be wary of less reliable domains like .info, .biz

Checking Online Content

Evaluate the Source’s Authority

Look for author credentials to assess expertise. Reliable sources often list the author’s qualifications, background, or affiliations.

For example, an article on electrical safety by a licensed electrician or an industry expert is more credible than one written by an anonymous blogger.

Check the Content’s Accuracy and Evidence

Reliable sources provide references, citations, or links to original research, studies, or official reports.

Be cautious of content that makes bold claims without supporting evidence or relies on sensationalist language.

Assess the Website’s Purpose and Bias

Understand the intent behind the content. Is it educational, informative, or trying to sell something?

Look at the Date of Publication

Check the publication date to ensure the information is current, especially for topics that change frequently, like safety standards, technology, or regulations.

Check the Website’s Domain

Trusted domains include:

.gov – Government websites, which are generally reliable and authoritative (e.g., gov.uk for the UK).

.edu – Educational institutions, such as universities, which often provide peer-reviewed or well-researched content.

.org – Non-profit organisations, though they can sometimes have specific agendas, so use with caution.

Be wary of less reliable domains like .info, .biz

Checking Online Content

Evaluate the Source’s Authority

Look for author credentials to assess expertise. Reliable sources often list the author’s qualifications, background, or affiliations.

For example, an article on electrical safety by a licensed electrician or an industry expert is more credible than one written by an anonymous blogger.

Check the Content’s Accuracy and Evidence

Reliable sources provide references, citations, or links to original research, studies, or official reports.

Be cautious of content that makes bold claims without supporting evidence or relies on sensationalist language.

Assess the Website’s Purpose and Bias

Understand the intent behind the content. Is it educational, informative, or trying to sell something?

Look at the Date of Publication

Check the publication date to ensure the information is current, especially for topics that change frequently, like safety standards, technology, or regulations.

CRAAP Test

Currency:

Check the publication date and see if the content has been recently updated, especially for fields that change quickly (e.g., safety guidelines, technology).

Ask: Is this information still relevant today?

C

Relevance:

Assess whether the content is written at the right level (not too basic or too advanced).

Ask: Is this source appropriate for vocational training or your specific trade?

R

Authority:

Who is the author or publisher?

Check the author’s credentials (e.g., industry experience, educational background) and the website’s domain (.gov, .edu, or reputable .org are generally more reliable).

Ask: Is the author qualified to write on this topic? Is the source trustworthy?

A

Accuracy:

Is the information correct and backed by evidence?

Look for references, citations, or supporting data. Check if the information can be verified through other reputable sources.

Ask: Is the content free of errors? Are the claims backed by reliable sources?

A

Purpose:

Determine if the content is meant to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something. Watch out for potential bias or one-sided viewpoints.

Ask: Is the source objective, or does it have a specific agenda?

P

What does a trusted .edu domain indicate?

1. Personal blog opinions
2. Educational institution's research

Why is checking publication date important?

1. To ensure information is current
2. To impress your friends

What should you check for author credibility?

1. Author's favorite color
2. Author's qualifications and background

Which domain is generally reliable?

1. .biz
2. .info
3. .gov
4. .com

It is difficult!

Beyond doing searches on the internet, you are being exposed to a constant stream of information.

It can be hard to tell what is accurate and what is misinformation. 

AI isn't helping with this.

www.bbc.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk

Safe browsing practices are essential for protecting your privacy, personal data, and devices from online threats such as malware, scams, and hackers. Here’s a guide on how to browse the internet safely, especially when researching information related to your trade.

Check the Website’s URL:

-Always look for a padlock symbol in the address bar and ensure the website starts with “https://” (the "s" stands for secure).

-Be cautious of websites with strange URLs or misspellings (e.g., "g00gle.com" instead of "google.com") as these can be signs of phishing sites.

1

Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links:

-Don’t click on links in unfamiliar emails, pop-up ads, or websites that seem untrustworthy.

-Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If it doesn’t match the description, it’s likely unsafe.

2

Be Careful with Downloading Files:

-Only download files from trusted sources. Malware often hides in free downloads, especially on less reputable sites.

-Be cautious of email attachments from unknown senders; they may contain viruses.

3

Keep Your Software and Devices Updated:

-Regularly update your browser, operating system, and security software to protect against the latest threats.

-Updates often include patches for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

4

Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

-Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Avoid using common words, names, or dates.

+Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords.

5

Use Secure Networks:

-Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities like online banking or logging into work accounts, as they can be easily hacked.

-If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

6

Be Aware of Phishing Scams:

-Phishing attempts often come in the form of emails or pop-ups pretending to be from reputable sources, asking for personal information or urging immediate action.

-Always verify the sender’s email address and don’t provide sensitive information unless you’re certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.

7

Don’t Share Personal Information Unnecessarily:

-Be cautious when filling out online forms. Only provide personal information on trusted websites when absolutely necessary.

-Avoid oversharing on social media, as scammers can use that information for identity theft.

8

Use Browser Privacy Settings:

-Adjust your browser’s privacy settings to limit tracking and data collection. Most browsers have options to block cookies, stop pop-ups, and prevent cross-site tracking.

-Consider using privacy-focused browsers like Brave or extensions like AdBlock to enhance your security.

9

Log Out of Accounts When Done:

-Always log out of your accounts (especially banking or work-related ones) after using shared or public devices.

-Clearing your browser history and cache can also help protect your privacy.

10

Safe Browsing Practices

Workbook Activity

Q4. Use appropriate techniques to carry out and refine online searches safely. 

*Include a screenshot of a vocation related search you have carried out* 

Answer questions in workbook with full paragraphs

In this session:

A.C 2.1 - Use appropriate techniques to carry out and refine online searches safely.

• Know how to perform basic online searches.
• Know how to find reliable online content.

Do you have any questions?

Do you feel you will now be able do better online searches for college work?

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