1. ADVANCED WEB SEARCH TECHNIQUES Computing and Information Technology Ali Robertson alastair.robertson@iomcollege.ac.im 1

2. Welcome A key to successful study is to be able to conduct background research. Search engines Google Bing Website search This session looks at improving your internet search abilities. 2

3. By the end of this session you should be able to: Select phrases that meet your search needs Apply quotation marks to search for exact phases Exclude words or phrases from online searches using – and + operators Search for information within specific websites or domains 3

4. Lesson 1: Searching using phrases in http://www.google.co.uk Always think carefully about words ‘keywords’ you use to search. Note them down Think of alternative words which mean the same thing. Fuzzy is similar to Unclear is similar to Vague Think about words you want to see in websites Not necessarily what the subject is. Example: Learning how to ride a motorcycle 4

5. Lesson 2:Using quotation marks when searching Quotation marks allow for very precise searches. Tells Google to look for information containing matching phrases. Example 1: Motorcycle “training instructions” Example 2: “Motorcycle training instructions” Class task: Search using phrases above. Then, proceed to Task 2 on worksheet. 5

6. Lesson 3: Including or excluding words during searches using – or + operators Sometimes better to leave out or include word in searches. Example 1: Motorcycle training –instructions Only Motorcycle training is sought, all documents containing word instructions are left out of results. Example 2: Motorcycle training +“isle of man” Class task: Search using phrases above. Then, proceed to Task 3 on worksheet. 6

7. Lesson 4: Searching within websites or domains – Site: Site: allows you to search within a specified website. Example 1: Motorcycle training site:http://www.motorcyclenews.com/ Searches Motorcycle training but only within the Motorcycle News website. Example 2: Motorcycle training site:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news Searches Motorcycle training but only within the BBC News website. Class task: Search using phrases above. Why is it useful to look within websites in this way? Then, proceed to Task 4 on worksheet. 7