Digital Literacy – Searching for information online

Summary

This script emphasizes the importance of effective online research for distance learners, cautioning against the pitfalls of misinformation and the necessity of critical evaluation of sources. It highlights the use of academic search engines like Google Scholar and the importance of citing references to avoid plagiarism. The message encourages building a list of trusted sources and being skeptical of information found on social media, ensuring academic integrity and success in assignments.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script discusses the importance of using the internet effectively for research in distance learning.
• 🔍 It emphasizes the need for critical evaluation of online information to ensure reliability.
• 🌐 Search engines like Google and Bing are useful, but require discernment regarding the credibility of linked websites.
• 🏛 Academic institutions may provide lists of trusted sources, which are crucial for students to consult.
• 📝 The script warns against using incorrect information found online, as it can lead to poor academic performance.
• 🤔 It suggests questioning everything found online, not just for academic purposes but in all aspects of life.
• 📈 Building a list of trusted sources is essential, and tutors can assist in this process.
• 📖 Online forums and wikis can be starting points for research but should not be the sole basis for academic work.
• 🚫 The script advises against relying on social media for information due to the prevalence of incorrect or false content.
• 📝 It highlights the importance of avoiding plagiarism by citing references and using others' work as a source.
• ⚠️ Citing references is mandatory in academic work, and guidelines are provided by educational institutions.

Q & A

Do Indigenous people from the Arctic really have 100 different words for snow?

The script mentions it as an 'amazing fact,' but it does not confirm its veracity. It serves as a conversation starter about the abundance of information available online and the need for critical evaluation of sources.

How often do we use digital resources in a day according to the script?

The script does not provide a specific number but implies that we use digital resources multiple times a day for various purposes, such as checking train times, weather forecasts, and messages from tutors.

What is the main concern about using online information services mentioned in the script?

The main concern is the effectiveness of using online information services and the reliability of the information found, especially for academic purposes in distance learning.

What are some of the common ways people find information online as mentioned in the script?

People commonly use search engines like Google or Bing, social media, and online forums and wikis such as Quora, Yahoo Answers, and Wikipedia to find information online.

Why is it important to critically evaluate websites found through search engines?

It is important because search engines show links to other websites, and not all of these sites may provide reliable or accurate information, which could lead to poor academic performance or incorrect assumptions in other areas of life.

What does the script suggest about using incorrect information found online in university assignments?

The script warns that using incorrect information found online in university assignments could result in poor grades.

What role might an academic institution play in helping distance learners find reliable information?

An academic institution may provide a list of trusted sources to help distance learners find reliable information for their studies.

Why should distance learners be cautious about using social media as a source of information?

Distance learners should be cautious because social media is often filled with incorrect, false, or deliberately fake information, which requires further research to verify the credibility of the content.

What are some of the academic search engines that distance learners can use as suggested in the script?

The script suggests using academic search engines such as Google Scholar or REFSEEK for more reliable and academically focused information.

What is the definition of plagiarism as mentioned in the script?

Plagiarism is defined in the script as 'taking other people's work and claiming it is your own,' which is a serious academic offense with significant consequences.

Why is citing references important for students according to the script?

Citing references is important because it gives proper credit to the original sources of information, which is a requirement in academic institutions to avoid plagiarism and demonstrate the research process.