1. 7.3 Searching for Information

2. When searching for information, you can use various sources (where the information comes from).
QUESTION – What sources could you use to find out about computers?
books, people, newspapers or the internet
Some of these sources can be more reliable and accurate than others.
QUESTION – What can you do to make sure that the information which you find is accurate and correct?
Use more than one source, ask people who know the subject, check when the information was published or produced.
When using the internet you can make sure you search more specifically for example by using a Boolean Search.

3. BOOLEAN SEARCH This is a way of searching on the internet, using the search box on the search engine such as Google or Firefox.
Boolean Search: AND
The use of AND includes more parts to your search and so reduces your search.
With every AND you add to your Boolean search, the fewer results you will typically get.
Boolean Search: OR
Using OR makes your search results bigger.
It does not make your search an either/or.
The OR searches for “at least one is required, more than one or all can be returned.”

4. Boolean Search: NOT
Excluding words (sometimes) you do not want to search for and which are not useful to you.
This will make your search very specific and relevant and should reduce the size of the findings. However, this is not as accurate as using the others.

5. To Do:
Insert a new folder within your ICT folder. Name it 7.3 Searching.
Copy this ppt into your documents, ICT, 7.3 Searching folder.
Complete the following tasks:
In the search box, search for: Newcastle
How many hits did you get? (type here)
2) In the search box, search for: Newcastle AND Tyne
3) In the search box, search for: Newcastle NOT Australia
4) In the search box, search for: Newcastle OR Newcastle on Tyne

6. TO DO:
Choose a city in any country. Produce a Powerpoint about the city, which could be used by tourists visiting the city for the first time. You should:
Include 3 slides only.
Search for information using Boolean searches (for example Paris France NOT Paris Texas).
Make sure you use other methods in order to make sure your information is correct.
Include animation, transitions, pictures, colours and different fonts.
Make sure your design is interesting, easy to read and attractive.
Make sure you make it suitable for your audience: adults visiting the city for the first time.
Include a fourth slide containing information about how you searched. (This would not be seen by the tourists.)