DGB 1: Internet Research
Internet research is more than entering a question into a search engine. Good research begins with a clear question, uses suitable search terms, examines several results and assesses whether a source is relevant and trustworthy enough for the task.
Curriculum reference
[Bearbeiten]| Area | Classification |
|---|---|
| Competence area | Information |
| Focus | Basic use of search engines and assessment of online information |
| Competence | Carry out simple internet research, refine search queries and assess online information using understandable criteria. |
Learning objectives
[Bearbeiten]Students can:
- use a browser to open websites and search services;
- turn a research question into suitable keywords;
- refine search terms after examining initial results;
- use simple search techniques such as quotation marks, the minus sign and `site:` where appropriate;
- read titles, domains and snippets before opening a result;
- assess a source by considering provider, date, purpose, language and relevance;
- compare information from several sources;
- recognise risky links or downloads and avoid unnecessary personal data disclosure;
- record useful sources so that research can be traced later.
Learning content
[Bearbeiten]Browser basics
[Bearbeiten]A browser displays websites and provides functions such as the address bar, tabs, back and forward navigation, bookmarks and downloads. An internet address can be entered directly, while a search engine is used when the exact address is not known.
From a question to a search query
[Bearbeiten]A good search starts with a clear question. Important nouns, names, places, dates and specialist terms can then be selected as keywords. Search queries should be precise enough to reduce irrelevant results but can be adjusted after the first search.
Useful search techniques
[Bearbeiten]Simple techniques can make searches more precise:
- Phrase search: quotation marks search for a connected phrase, for example `"water cycle explained simply"`.
- Exclude a word: a minus sign can remove an unwanted meaning, for example `jaguar -car`.
- Search a specific website: `site:` can restrict results to a domain, for example `climate change site:bpb.de`.
- Search areas: depending on the service, separate sections may be available for images, news, videos or maps.
Read the results before clicking
[Bearbeiten]A search result provides clues before a page is opened. The title, domain, snippet and possible advertising label can help determine whether it is likely to be useful.
Assessing online information
[Bearbeiten]Useful questions include:
- Who provides the information?
- When was it published or updated?
- Why was it created: to inform, advertise, entertain or persuade?
- How are claims supported?
- Is it relevant to the research question?
A professional-looking design is not proof that information is correct. Important claims should be compared with other suitable sources.
Safe research
[Bearbeiten]Unexpected download requests, misleading buttons and requests for passwords or payment details should be treated cautiously. Files should only be downloaded when their source and purpose are clear and permitted in the school environment.
Record sources
[Bearbeiten]Useful research notes include the title, provider or author where available, web address and date of access. This makes it easier to return to a source and to show where information came from.
Classroom activities
[Bearbeiten]Browser orientation
[Bearbeiten]Task: Identify the address bar, tabs, navigation buttons and download area in a school browser and explain their functions.
Improve search queries
[Bearbeiten]Five research questions are used to develop suitable search terms.
Task: Write an initial search query for each question and improve it at least once after looking at the results.
Expected outcome: A traceable improvement of the search strategy.
Compare three sources
[Bearbeiten]Several results are opened for the same factual topic.
Task: Assess three sources according to provider, date, purpose, language and relevance. Explain which source you would use for your task.
Expected outcome: A justified choice of source.
Complete a short research task
[Bearbeiten]Task: Start with a research question, formulate search terms, compare at least two sources and record the sources used. Summarise the answer in your own words.
Self-check
[Bearbeiten]- I can turn a research question into suitable search terms.
- I can refine a search query.
- I know simple search techniques.
- I can compare online sources using clear criteria.
- I can record sources and research safely.