Conducting Accurate Internet Research

This course is currently available as E-Learning, or a private instructor-led class scheduled to suit your availabilty. You can click here to inquire further or you ask us for recommendations on similar classes.

Recommended Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required for this course.

Course Overview

As the Internet grows, it becomes more challenging to find the correct information from a reliable source in a timely manner. As research expert Gary Price puts it, “The haystack is growing and finding the needles takes more time and requires greater skill.”

This course will teach you how to conduct accurate Internet research by creating a search plan, searching both the surface web and the deep web, and staying organized. You will also learn how to think critically and find the best sources for your Internet search.

Learning Objectives

• Describe why Internet research skills are important
• Create a search plan
• Identify what resources are the most appropriate for your search
• Search the surface web and the deep web using a variety of tools
• Assess the credibility and validity of a website
• Organize research notes
• Cite sources and avoid plagiarism

Course Outline

1. Course Overview
2. Creating a Search Plan
3. Key Elements of a Search Plan
4. Getting Focused
5. Searching the Surface Web
6. What is a Search Engine?
7. Building a Keyword List
8. Step-By-Step Searching Guide
9. Performing an Advanced Search
10. Searching for Quick Facts
11. Internet Scavenger Hunt
12. Debrief
13. Diving Into the Deep Web
14. About the Deep Web
15. Making Connections
16. Searching for Multimedia
17. Search Techniques
18. Making Connections
19. Assessing Research Sites
20. Analyzing Your Sources
21. Making Connections
22. Checking Your Facts
23. Staying Organized with Research Tools
24. Citing Sources
25. Personal Action Plan
26. Recommended Reading List
27. Post-Course Assessment