A few stray thoughts from our last class:
Google searches reach about 20% (or less) of the information that is actually available on the web. Wow. Maybe we could see an example of something that would not be accessible via Google?
Boolean searches. Just teaching teachers and students the basic uses of "and", "or" and "not" would go a long way. In terms of digital literacy I think a good, simple lesson on the use of these search terms (as was done in class) would get a lot of bang for the buck, or in other words, benefit for the time spent learning.
I think Suzanne mentioned in class that it would be foolhardy not to take advantage of advanced searches in various databases. I certainly agree. Advanced search options make life much easier and make searching, whether it be in an OPAC or elsewhere, much more effective.
It was interesting to see how the use of the colon and various search terms could be used to carry out searches. Example link:mtsd.k12.wi.us
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Good point about comparing what you can and cannot find through Google. That would be an effective strategy with our students. One example might be to consider what one can find through a subscription database that one might not be able to find through a free web search such as Google... as you probably work with databases through your LMC. In the past I've used the National Archives in my examples with social studies classes. The WI circuit court source is also effective (but a bit distracting for students).
A few thoughts on the "invisible web"...
http://library.rider.edu/scholarly/rlackie/Invisible/Inv_Web.html
Dan, you have some really good ideas here. I think it would be really interesting to see what types of information is available that isn't tapped on Google. It's kind of scary that, almost like parents sheltering their children.
I also liked your point about Boolean searches. I have noticed after being in this class that I have taken more advantage of the advanced searches. It may take one more second to get it set up but but it would/does create a more efficient searches.
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