Purpose

To introduce the different types of searching tools available on the World Wide Web today. To learn how to decide which searching method and tool will work best for finding the type of information you are looking for. To learn various searching terms and rules in order to access information faster and with better results. To become aware of Internet Safety issues involved in using the Internet in the classroom.

Searching Strategies Overview

• Online Presentation-Types of Searching Strategies

• Online Presentation- Internet Safety
• CIESE Internet Safety Page - Packed with resources on Filtering Software, Acceptable Use Policies and Case Studies.
• GetNetWise- Packed with resources for a kid safe Internet experience.

Using a Directory to Find Educational Material  -   Yahoo!

Using a Search Engine to Find Educational Material  -   AltaVista

Using a Subject Guide to Find Educational Material  -   Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators

Other Search Tools
 

Top Search Engines	Top Web Directories	Top Meta Search Tools
HotBot Excite NorthernLight Lycos Go Infoseek Google Fast Search	About.com Web Crawler LookSmart Magellan Electric Library Librarian's Index to the Internet Britannica Web's Best	Ask Jeeves C4 MetaCrawler All The Web DogPile Mamma Direct Hit
Education Only Web Directories	Search & Sort Tools for Teachers	Kid's Search Tools
Busy Teachers' Web Site Eisenhower National Clearinghouse The Exploratorium StudyWeb Teacher's First Education World TeacherNet Teachers.Net Homework Central Awesome Library Pro-teacher (K-6)	ExplorAsource Copernicus Science NetLinks	Ask Jeeves for Kids Yahooligans Searchopolis AltaVista w/Family Filter

Planning Searches

When we do searches on the internet, we often waste a lot of time.  A little planning before-hand can help you find the information you are looking for.  Some useful tools for planning include:
 

Word Webs

Idea Maps

Concept Maps

Evaluating Web Resources

• Level 4 example

• How to Site Internet Resources
• NoodleTools Online Bibliography Builder - this form based tool formats, saves and prints your multi source bibliography. Just add information.
• Columbia Guide to Online Style
• Classroom Connect's Citing Sources 
• Kathy Schrock Citing Sources

• Primer in Boolean Logic
• CIESE Instructional Resources Page
• Search Engine Watch - Search Engine News an Information
• What is a Meta Search Engine?
• Learning More about Search Engines and Subject Directories
• Finding Information on the Internet:  Tutorial
• NetResearch : Finding Information Online- A Great Book For Educators Using The Internet for Research
• Yahoo!'s list of Search Engines (one for every topic)
• Internet "Onesearch" with Mega Search Engines- A great article for understanding how meta-searching works