SUNY Potsdam

  Teaching Goal  

  Outcome Behavior  

Indicate that a variety of general (e.g. Google, Yahoo, MSN, Dogpile)  and specialized (e.g. Scirius, Internet Movie DataBase) web search tools exist

Students will consider using different search tools based on different information needs  

Define Search Engines & Directories  

Students will understand that Search Engines search by keyword only while Directories are arranged hierarchically by subject and will recognize the value of Directories in finding relevant sites on broadly formulated topics.

Identify common limitations of search tools (low proportion of web searched,  keyword searching only, searching only certain formats such as html files, not PDFs) 

Students will adjust search strategies to accommodate web search tool limitations (i.e., they may use multiple search tools or vary their search terms to include synonyms)

Indicate that general search tools for the "free" web are designed to locate web pages, while library databases accessed through the library web site are designed to locate other materials such as books and articles.

Students will choose an appropriate search tool for a given information need  

Distinguish between the structure of "unorganized" web pages and "organized" database records and how structure affects search vocabulary and strategies

Students will understand that web pages have a variable structure while database records have a consistent structure which aids effective searching.

Explain how web search tools build their content listings (i.e. the internal database of the search tool)  

Students will understand that search tools may have “spidered” listings, paid listings, and submitted listings and that each tool may or may not distinguish between these.

Explain common methods by which web search tools present/rank their results  

Students will be aware of common methods used to generate the set of results and will use that knowledge to help evaluate a list of results.

Discuss standard criteria for evaluating web content  

Students will apply criteria such as authority, accuracy, currency, coverage, objectivity, and purpose in determining useful sites

Define plagiarism  

Students will be aware of the various forms of plagiarism the consequences of engaging in plagiarism, and methods of avoiding plagiarism (e.g. proper use of citations, communication with faculty)

Briefly explain copyright  

Students will understand the relationships between intellectual property, theft of intellectual property, and the consequences to society (to the arts, the information economy, etc).Students will understand that copyright is automatic and does not require registration.

Discuss Fair Use in academic settings  

Students will understand how fair use applies to the intellectual works they use in their academic life and the issues that arise should they try to use their academic work in another setting.