COMPUTER AS TOOLS FOR

FINDINGOER Case Study

TJTS569 Advanced Topics in Global Information Systems

Savenkova Iuliia

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;

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)

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.

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

workAvoid reinventing the wheel Increase your knowledge of a subject areaProvide intellectual content for your own workComplete a successful search for a literature

review

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)

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”

WHERE DO YOU START LOOKING?

Databases

Library Catalogue

Google

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

GROUP DISCUSSION Questions:

What is a search engine?  What you choose from the list of search

tools to search for information? Why?

 GOOGLE- TIPS

Use advanced searchLimit to file types and domainsUse phrase searching

Use Google ScholarSet up access full-text at QUT

Consider other search engines

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

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

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

TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE? Too Much Information

Is your topic too broad?Narrow your topic using more specific termsUse ANDUse 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

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)

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

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION! Questions?