Searching the World Wide Web

A Workshop for the UW Retirement Association

prepared by
Anne Zald, University of Washington Libraries

Objectives for the Workshop

familiarize participants with search techniques common to many web search tools, including boolean operators (e.g. and, or, +, -), phrase searching, etc.
familiarize participants with the variety of search tools available on the web
introduce specialized search resources that cater to the needs and interests of Senior Citizens
gain familiarity with one or more web search service

Prerequisities

This workshop is taught in a "hands-on" manner, with each participant seated at a computer. To get the most out of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Work comfortably with a mouse to navigate the computer 'desktop'
Understand the conventions of the Windows desktop display, e.g. how to maximize and minimize application windows, using scrollbars, locating and using menu bars and buttons

Learn More About Web Searching

How Search Engines Work
Search Engine Features, comparison chart
Search Engine Watch, a great site with search engine reviews, feature charts, and tutorials, along with loads of other information.
Search Engine Showdown - the user's guide to web searching
Basic Web Lessons AARP provides a series of technology learning materials including these Basic Web Lessons. Look at the menu on the left side of the screen for Intermediate Web Lessons and many other technology topics.
Tutorial: Guide to Effective Searching of the Internet, from Complete Planet
Finding Information on the Internet: A Tutorial, UC-Berkeley Teaching Library
Internet Tutorials, University of Albany provides several helpful resources here on Using & Searching the Web. Their Search Tool of the Month provides useful definitions and links to search tools.

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updated 2/1/06