Research and Information Fluency
Educators use the online search skills necessary for effective Internet use to support information fluency and student learning.
Topics Include:
- Locating, Identifying, and evaluating suitable online resources
- Strong search terms and advanced search techniques
- Subject directories, subscription databases, the "invisible web" and primary sources
- Information fluency, school libraries and student test scores
- Inquiry-based learning and social constructivist strategies to enhance and extend learning
Upon completion of this workshop you will be equipped with strategies for effectively locating, identifying and evaluating online resources in support of student learning. You will be able be to:
- create strong search terms, utilize advanced search techniques and selectively choose among subject directories, search engines, subscription databases, primary source materials and other "Invisible Web" resources.
- discuss how the Internet has changed the nature of information today and the implications on research today, literacy and learning in the 21st Century.
Questions to explore include:
- How has the Internet changed the natue of information and research compared to the days of the card catalog?
- What techniques characterize a skilled researcher?
- What makes a web site good for academic use?
- Should I pre-select web resources for students?
- What is the relative value of subject directories, search engines and subscription databases?
- What are some specialized databases and directories and how do I use them?
- Why not rely on one reliable “search engine of choice?”
- How has the Internet changed the role of the librarian?
- What is the connection between information literacy, school libraries and student test scores?
- Why is it so important for students to online resources? Aren't books enough?
- What is the impact of commercial ads on search engines?
- Why integrate primary source materials into lessons?
- What are the benefits of online collaborative projects? Do they really outweigh safety concerns?
- How has online real-time data collaboration contributed to improving science and mathematics education?