Assignment

Where Should I Search? It Depends!

Submitted by Sara Davidson Squibb on June 25th, 2018
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Short Description: 

The Value of Free and Deep Web Resources (aka Google vs. Databases)

Attachments: 
AttachmentSize
Lesson Plan - Value of Free and Deep Web Resourcesdisplayed 3254 times27 KB
Handout - Scenarios - Where to Search?displayed 1213 times80.45 KB
Handout Key - Scenarios - Where to Search?displayed 972 times16.26 KB
Blank Chart - Compare Pros Cons - Google vs Databasesdisplayed 902 times48.41 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

Students will be able to …
• articulate the value of using both the free web (e.g. Google) and the deep web (e.g. databases) to find sources.
• recognize that an information need may influence where one chooses to search.

Discipline: 
Multidisciplinary

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

We created this lesson for using in beginning composition classes with the intent that Writing instructor could adopt and incorporate this content and conversation into their course. A librarian taught this lesson in one of these classes though she modified Part III to be less formal.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

See attached.

Assessment or Criteria for Success
Assessment Short Description: 
Return to the outcomes and ask students to articulate the value of Google and databases. Ask what factors they will consider when determining where to search.
Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

It is helpful to have two screens when comparing results from Google vs. a selected database. It can be easy to get into the weeds of using the search tool when this is not the focus of the lesson. There is opportunity to change search scenarios to topics being discussed in the class.

Suggested Citation: 
Davidson Squibb, Sara . "Where Should I Search? It Depends!." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2018. https://projectcora.org/assignment/where-should-i-search-it-depends.