Course Description

Complete unit: lessons, activities and resources

aimed at 6-7th graders, teaches more effective methods for conducting online searches. The lesson plans cover 10 weeks of activities with students.

Curriculum "Big Ideas":

Complex tasks require the acquisition of additional skills

Design can be responsive to identified needs


Curricular Competencies

Students will be able to:
• Ask effective research questions
• Turn questions into keyword searches
• Search effectively and efficiently for information online
• Identify bias
• Determine the credibility and value of a website

Students will know:
• How search results work
• How to evaluate search results
• How to choose the best search techniques for different types of searches


Materials needed:
• Internet
• Notebooks
• Slides and images in unit

Instructors

Robin and James

Robin Ulster and James Denby are teachers and workshop leaders who are passionate advocates for the potential of technology to give voice to and empower individuals and groups. They have been lucky enough to work with students and teachers in Canada, the United States, Turkey, Colombia and Thailand during their 20 year teaching careers. Robin and James believe that technology in education should be meaningful, integrated and authentic.

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Improving Online Search Skills

    • Curriculum Overview

    • Module 1: Thinking Before Searching

    • Module 2: From Topics to Questions

    • Module 3: From Questions to Keywords

    • Module 4: Choosing a Search Engine

    • Module 5: Algorithms

    • Module 6: Search Tips, Filters and Operators

    • Module 7: At First Glance

    • Module 8: Evaluation and Evidence

    • Module 9: Reviewing Proof and Criteria

    • Module 10: Application and Practice

    • Some Search Challenges

    • Assessment and Evaluation

    • Adaptations and Modifications

    • Resources and References