How do we use search tools? | Year 3 Computing PDF Download

Why Search Engines are Essential

• The internet, also known as the World Wide Web, is vast and extensive, comprising countless web pages and shared files.
• While typing a website's URL into the browser's address bar can directly take you to a specific site, this method requires knowledge of the exact address.
• Search engines play a crucial role in navigating this vast online landscape, especially when you don't have a specific URL in mind.
• By utilizing search engines, users can input keywords or phrases related to their query, and the search engine will provide a list of relevant websites, pages, and resources.

Using Search Tools Effectively

• Choosing the Right Keywords: When using search engines, it's crucial to pick the right keywords to refine your search.
• Impact of Keyword Selection: Using too few or too many keywords can affect the results you get.
• Example: Searching for "what countries did the Vikings raid?" requires focusing on essential keywords like 'countries,' 'Vikings,' and 'raid.'
• Importance of Keywords: Typing in complete sentences might not yield accurate results due to the omission of connecting words and punctuation.
• Efficiency in Searching: To save time and get relevant results, concentrate on key terms rather than full sentences. 

What do search engine results look like?

• Search engines present us with a list of webpages where we are likely to find the information we're seeking.
• These webpages contain a mix of text, images, videos, and sound that we access through a web browser.
• Search engines use complex algorithms to determine the relevance of webpages to a user's query.
• Based on this relevance, search engines rank webpages in the search results.
• Additionally, search engines may display images, videos, or shopping results related to the search keywords.

What is an 'Ad'?

• An 'ad' in search engine results stands for an advertisement. 
• It indicates that a business or organization has paid for their webpage to show up in your search results. 
• This is one way that search engines generate revenue.

How to use the search engine results?

• The search engine arranges the results based on the relevance determined by its algorithm.
• You can click on the links to access the webpages that likely contain the information you seek.
• However, it's advisable to explore different links to verify the accuracy of the information, bearing in mind that the initial links shown might be advertisements.

Can I use the images I find in a search?

• Always verify if you have permission to use images from search engine results, as they may belong to others.
• Many search engines provide filters to display only images that are available for download and use.

How can I keep myself safe when searching the web?

• Certain search engines offer settings to prevent potentially upsetting content from appearing in search results.
• It's a good idea to discuss with a trusted adult about configuring these settings to enhance your safety while browsing the web.