LIS 103: Information Retrieval on the Internet

Description | Objectives | Organization | Requirements | Components | Text Book | Grading
 

Course Description

During this course, you will learn how to find answers to research and reference questions.  We will discuss several different types of information resources—directories, virtual libraries, search engines, and specialized databases.  The main topics are formulating search strategies, understanding how to form search expressions, evaluating information, and citing resources.  You will come to understand that for every research question you ask, you will need to go through a process to create the most appropriate search strategy.  You’ll see that this search formation process guarantees a more precise result and is applicable to any search engine or database.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to do the following—

• Identify the components of a Web browser in order to navigate the Web

• Explain the difference between the Internet and World Wide Web

• Analyze a URL (uniform resource locator)

• Navigate and search the Internet proficiently using search engines and subject directories

• Develop systematic methods of Internet and library research

• Critically select and evaluate information from the Internet

• Cite Web resources in a standard documentation style

• Be aware of the social, ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web

Course Organization

The course is divided into 8 modules.  Each module corresponds to one week (two classroom hours) in the college semester.  The modules are, as follows:

1. Introduction to the Internet

2. Managing and Using Information

3. Using the Web for Research

4. A Researcher’s Toolkit

5. Specialized Databases

6. Web Evaluation

7. Citing Web and Internet Sources

8. Privacy and Security

Course Requirements

The online nature of this course requires your active participation.  The online environment will differ from the traditional on-site classroom environment.  This course, by combining technology and innovative activities, offers you an exciting and challenging learning opportunity.  During the weeks that we meet online, you will interact with your instructor and other students via an online asynchronous discussion forum and e-mail.  Interaction with your classmates is of paramount importance.  You are requested to be in touch with your fellow classmates at least once per module, respond to their e-mail, and offer them feedback.

You will use the Internet to visit various websites throughout the duration of this course.  These links are checked regularly, but since the Web is dynamic and volatile, you may occasionally encounter a “dead” or inactive link.  When this happens, please report the link to me and I will update it.

The online class environment emphasizes student learning.  Self-motivation and an ease with online technology will greatly contribute to your success in this course. 

Course Components

• Participation on the discussion forum

• Sending e-mail

• Reading e-mail

• Reading class announcements

• Engaging in self-assessment practices

• Submitting graded assignments

Attendance

To receive course credit, you must log on AND participate at least one a week.  To simply log on and post your responses to the discussion questions is not considered attendance.  You must also participate extensively while logged on.

Tests and Quizzes

There will be 3 quizzes and a final project. 

Text Book

Searching & Researching on the Internet and the World Wide Web, by Ernest Ackermann and Karen Hartman.  4^th edition.  Publisher:  Franklin, Beedle & Associates.  ISBN:  1-59028-036-9

I will provide you with additional information you will need through online lectures, web sites you need to visit, and online readings. 

Grading

Grading is based upon the completion of assignments and postings on the discussion forum.  Each week, you will be asked to e-mail a completed assignment to the instructor and to post a message on the discussion board.  You can earn up to 10 points for the graded assignment and 5 points for the discussion board. 

A	90 --100%
B	80 --  89%
C	70 --  79%
D	60 --  69%
F	Below 59%

Academic Honesty

As a reminder, Santa Ana College has a policy on academic honesty. You are expected to abide by the procedures set forth in the document. (See the Course Catalog, page 28, for the actual policy. http://www.sac.edu/schedule/)

Description | Objectives | Organization | Requirements | Components | Text Book | Grading