Investigating with ICT
Resources that help teachers and students to:
...define and plan information searches
URL: https://www.google.com/insidesearch/searcheducation/index.html
Overview: Self-paced tutorials and guides for students and teachers to become skilled at searching the internet for information.
Platform: Web-site - all operating systems and mobile devices.
Cost: Free
Age: Year 5 to adult
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This resource is aligned to the "investigating with ICT" capability and will help students and teachers to "define and plan information searches" through self-paced tutorials and quests (ACARA, n.d.).
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Teachers can over-estimate the ability of "Digital natives" (today's students born into a digital age) to effectively search for information on the internet (Neumann, 2016, p. 101; November, 2016, para. 4-6). Further, the complexity of search algorithms requires students (and teachers) to develop a sound understanding of searching techniques in order to achieve better results (Google, 2010). The "student-centred" and "self-paced" learning approaches this resource uses, through its variety of challenges and walk-through tutorials, enable it to be used as a standalone class exercise, a just-in-time resource for teachers (and students), or an extension activity for accelerated learners (O'Neill & McMahon, 2005, p. 29; Roblyer & Doering, 2014, p. 35).
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References:
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Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (n.d.). Information and communication technology (ICT) capability. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/information-and-communication-technology-ict-capability/
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Google. (n.d.a). Google Search Education [Website]. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/insidesearch/searcheducation/index.html
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Google. (2010, March 4). How Search Works [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHR6IQJGZs
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Neumann, C. (2016). Teaching digital natives: Promoting information literacy and addressing instructional challenges. Reading improvement, 53(3).
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November, A. (2016, Jan 10). The advanced google searches every student should know [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://novemberlearning.com/article/the-advanced-google-searches-every-student-should-know/
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O’Neill, G., & McMahon, T. (2005). Student-centred learning: What does it mean for students and lecturers? In: G. O’Neill, S. Moore, and B. McMullin (Eds.), Emerging issues in the practice of university learning and teaching (pp. 27-36). Dublin, Ireland: AISHE.
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Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2014). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th international ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson.
...locate, generate and access data and information
URL: https://www.kidzsearch.com/boolify/index.php
Overview: Internet search tool for helping students (and teachers) learn to refine search engine results.
Platform: Web-site and Mobile application - all operating systems and mobile devices.
Cost: Free
Age: Year 6 to 8
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By increasing student knowledge and skills in searching for information online, this resource aligns to the "investigating with ICT" capability in the element of "locate, generate and access data and information" (ACARA, n.d.).
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When used appropriately, for example as part of a "student centred" learning and research activity, this resource could encourage students toward active participation while constructing their knowledge to access online information safely and appropriately (Soujah, 2014, pp. 445-446). The resource also features an embedded content filter to address safety concerns for schools and prevent students accessing inappropriate content (Roblyer & Doering, 2014, p. 29). In a Technology curriculum context, it could benefit students researching the nature and definitions of core design concepts or for drilling-down into data related to a specific design problem (Board of Studies NSW, 2003d).
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References:
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Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (n.d.). Information and communication technology (ICT) capability. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/information-and-communication-technology-ict-capability/
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Board of Studies NSW. (2003d). Technology (mandatory) years 7-8 syllabus. Sydney: Board of Studies NSW.
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Kidzsearch.com. (n.d.) Boolify: Boolean Search Learning Tool [Web-application software]. Retrieved from https://www.kidzsearch.com/boolify/
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Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2014). Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th international ed.). Harlow, UK: Pearson.
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Soujah, S. (2014). Technology integration in schools is we overinvested and underprepared? International Journal of information and education technology, 4(5), 444-447.
...select and evaluate data and information
URL: https://ccconline.libguides.com/c.php?g=242130&p=2185475
Overview: Online LibGuide with embedded YouTube video that provides students with a simple framework for evaluating the credibility of information and data located on the internet.
Platform: Web-site - all operating systems and mobile devices.
Cost: Free
Age: Year 6 to 12
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This resource is included in the capability of "investigating with ICT" as it helps students learn techniques to "select and evaluate data and information" (ACARA, n.d.).
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The CRAP Test is embedded within a "LibGuide"- a web-based collection used to aggregate relevant content into a "one-stop shop" to support students (Bushhousen, 2009, p. 68). LibGuides can provide a "scaffold" for student learning through their chunking together of relevant, subject-related resources and information (Dobbs, Sittler & Cook, 2013, p. 140). In this LibGuide, the matter of understanding how to evaluate online sources is the key focus, which is considered a critical skill for students developing a digital literacy and becoming more-productive digital citizens (ACARA, n.d.; Ribble, 2014, p. 88).
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References:
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Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (n.d.). Information and communication technology (ICT) capability. Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/general-capabilities/information-and-communication-technology-ict-capability/
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Dobbs, A. W., Sittler, R. L., & Cook, D. (Eds.). (2013). Using LibGuides to enhance library services: A LITA guide (Vol. 23). American Library Association.​\
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Ribble, M. (2014). The importance of digital citizenship. District Administration, 50(11), 88.
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Bushhousen, E. (2009). LibGuides. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA, 97(1), 68.