Computer as tools for finding

1. Computer as tools for finding OER Case Study TJTS569 Advanced Topics in Global Information Systems SavenkovaIuliia

2. Task 1 • Course title: An introduction to data and information • Target group: Higher education, learner • Age group: 18-U • Topic: Computer as tools for finding • Learning outcomes • give a simple explanation of why computers are important to people in terms of data and information; • conduct your own searches efficiently and effectively; • critically evaluate information from a variety of sources;

3. Task 1 • Method & activities: Lessons, discussions, practical assignments • Assessment: The total assessment for the practical assignments on a scale of 1 to 5, • and additional points for the active participation in the discussions (+ to the total assessment)

4. Introduction • Computers are used to find, store, process and share data and information. • The World Wide Web is an example of a vast store of information, which can be searched. • This material will introduce you to what a web browser is and how to use one. • The use of search engines to find information more effectively on the web will also be demonstrated.

5. Information retrieval for research • It is important that you develop effective information retrieval skills so that you can: • Get perspective on a topic • Identify information and ideas relevant to your work • Avoid reinventing the wheel • Increase your knowledge of a subject area • Provide intellectual content for your own work • Complete a successful search for a literature review

6. Planning for your search •  Reflect on your information needs before you start • Identify key concepts from your assignment requirements • Background reading & viewing, brainstorm with peers, concept map • Identify synonyms, related terms, alternative spelling and abbreviations • Determine search limits such as date, geography • Determine appropriate types of sources of information you need (journal articles, books, reports, statistics, conference proceedings) • Determine best search tools (Database(s), Library Catalogue, Google)

7. Search Strategies and Tips • Using ‘AND’ narrows a search: results must include both terms, e.g: • Inflation AND“developing countries” • Using ‘OR’ broadens a search: results can include either term, e.g: • planning OR management • benefits OR strengths OR advantages • GFC OR“global financial crisis” • Using ‘NOT’ specifies a term must not appear in the results, e.g: • accounting NOT forensic • When searching for phrases, enclose using: “….. ” , e.g: • “forensic accounting”“behavioural economics”

8. Where do you start looking? • Databases • Library Catalogue • Google

9. Search Tools – the contents • Catalogue • Books, eBooks, chapters • Journals and conferences • Standards (International) • DVDs, CDs • Selected websites • Selected reports • Databases • Journal articles • Conference papers • Newspaper and trade magazines • Professional membership resources • Online reference and statistics • Company reports • Google • Professional association resources • Government sites and reports • Company information

10. GROUP Discussion • Questions: • What is a search engine?  • What you choose from the list of search tools to search for information? Why?

11.  Google- Tips • Use advanced search • Limit to file types and domains • Use phrase searching • Use Google Scholar • Set up access full-text at QUT • Consider other search engines

12. Library Catalogue Tips • Start with keyword searching • Use items records to identify subject headings • Use Subject Headings to focus your search • Use Advanced Search • Limit item types • Use Journal Title search to locate full text

13. Databases to consider • Use the Library Database guides to help you • EIU Country Data • Informit • Proquest • EbscoHOST • Informaworld • Emerald • Tip: If you know a key journal in your field identify which database it is in and search that database – often you will find similar journals in the same database

14. Databases • Use the database guide • Research is interdisciplinary – think outside of the box • Do not limit yourself to full text only • Use limiters and controlled vocabulary to focus your search

15. Too much or too little? • Too Much Information • Is your topic too broad? • Narrow your topic using more specific terms • Use AND • Use date limiters / search limiters • Not enough information • Is your search too specific? • Check your spelling! • Use TRUNCATION and OR operators • Are you looking in the right place • Maybe there isn’t much on the topic

16. Some final notes • Think before you start – concept map / brain storm • Start with the catalogue – database – internet (or at least use all of the tools) • Develop a search strategy and be prepared to change it! • Record all the details of all your references as you go • You will need this information for your in text citations and reference lists • Remember one useful book / article leads to others • References (back in time) • Cited By (forward in time)

17. Practical Assignment • Prepare the presentation with your conclusions. • Activity 1. • This introduces you to search engines. It shows you how to invoke a search engine from your browser and make simple searches for topics of interest. • http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/file.php/2355/!via/oucontent/course/159/activity1.pdf • Activity 2. • This gives you the chance of using some advanced search facilities (such as the two mentioned above) to make more targeted searches. • http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/file.php/2355/!via/oucontent/course/159/activity2.pdf

18. Thanks for your attention! • Questions?