Using a Search Engine to Locate Info on Google LTA (Easy)

A Low Threshold Application (LTA) is a teaching/learning application of information technology that is reliable, accessible, easy to learn, and non-intimidating. Each LTA has observable positive consequences, and contributes to important long-term changes in teaching and/or learning. The user of LTA�fs whether that person is the teacher or learner should perceive the LTA not to be challenging, or requiring a lot of additional work; rather, the user should find the LTA helpful with quick and meaningful results. Below you will find three categories of LTA�fs: easy, moderate, and hard. Simply click on the LTA under the category that you are interested in and you will be linked to a set of simple step-by-step instructions relating to your item of interest.

We are always looking for LTA�fs. If you are interested in submitting one, please email kahnp@mail.montlcair.edu.

See Training and Events for current LTA classes

LTA Overview
This LTA is designed to assist you in effectively using Google, a search engine to locate information/graphics on the internet. We learn about the importance of �gkeywords�h as well as how to incorporate AND, OR and NOT logic into a search.

LTA Level
This LTA is geared towards mainstream faculty/staff with little or no technical experience. It is designed to assist faculty/staff with using a search engine.

LTA Outcomes
After completing this LTA, the user will be able to effectively use a search engine to locate documentation, as well as graphics, available on the Internet.

Skills required completing the LTA
Users should be comfortable working with a computer and be able to operate the mouse.

LTA Instructions
Logic is used to instruct the search engine to include or exclude specific information. We will be incorporating the following logic in our LTA:

Using Key Words to Search for Information on the Internet

A search engine uses the keywords that you enter to scan websites and locate sites that contain those keywords. Regardless of which search engine you decide to use, you must determine what you would like to find. So ask yourself, �hWhat am I trying to find?�h and then ask yourself, �gWhat are the keywords?�h

Example:

I am planning on taking a vacation to the Florida Keys. I would like to locate information on renting snorkeling equipment in the Keys. So my keywords are Snorkeling, Rentals, Key West.

Results of Search:

Using OR Logic to Search for Information on the Internet

Using OR logic (OR must be in uppercase) instructs the search engine to locate any documents that contain any or all words.

Example:

Snorkeling Rentals Key West OR Key Largo

I am planning on taking a vacation to the Florida Keys. I would like to locate information on renting snorkeling equipment in the Keys. So my keywords are snorkeling rental, Key West OR Key Largo.

Search Results Using OR Logic:

Search Results Without Using OR Logic:

Using Not Logic to Search for Information on the Internet

Often times a word that you are looking for can have multiple meanings. Below is an example of searching for dolphins We do not wish to find information regarding the Miami Dolphin Football team.

Search Results Without Using NOT Logic:

Example:

I am searching for information on Dolphins and I want to exclude information on the Miami Dolphins.

To locate information on dolphins (not the Football Team):

• Type Dolphins
• Press Space
• Type -
• Type Miami Dolphins

Results Using NOT Logic to Search for Information on the Internet:

Understanding AND Logic to Search for Information on the Internet

Google excludes common words by default. If the common words need to be included in the search, place that information inside quotation marks.

Search Results Without Using Quotation Marks:

Search Results Using Quotation Marks:

Using a Search Engine to Locate Images on the Internet

Google also has the ability to search for images/graphics on the internet.

To Search for Images:

• Click the Images tab
• Type what you are looking for
• Click Google Search

Search Results for Images:

Advanced Image Search

Using an Advanced Image Search you are able to specify the related words, file size, file types as well as coloration and domain.

To Locate Only GIF Files in my Image Search:

• Click Advanced Image Search
• Select GIF as the file type
• Click Google Search

Using a Search Engine for a Title Search

Google also has the ability to perform a Title Search. The results will include only those pages that contain your keywords in the title.

To Perform a Title Search:

• Click the Advanced Search link to the right of the search box
• In the Find results with all of the words search box, type your key word(s)
• Change the Occurrences drop-down box to in the title of the page
• Change the 10 Results drop-down box to 100 Results
• Click the Google Search button

Example:

To Locate Information on Children and Diabetes:

• Click the Advanced Search
• Type Children Diabetes in the Find results with all of the words
• Change the Occurrences to 100 Results
• Click Google Search

Using a Search Engine to Perform a Domain Search on the Internet

A Domain Search allows you to limit the search to within a specific domain.

To Perform a Domain Search:

• Click the Advanced Search link to the right of the search box
• In the Find results with all of the words search box, type keyword
• In the Domains ONLY return results from the site or domain search box, type a domain name
• Change the 10 Results drop-down box to 100 Results

Click the Google Search button

To find out more information on search engines, you can visit:

http://home.sprintmail.com/~debflanagan/main.html

http://searchenginewatch.com/

http://www.monash.com/spidap.html

http://www.infopeople.org/search/chart.html

Or

Just type the keywords: Using a Search Engine