Remember that different search engines search different databases and handle searches uniquely.
Two good search engines:
- Alta Vista: http://www.altavista.digital.com
- Open Text: http://index.opentext.net
These search engines typically produce more sources and more academic sources than
pop sites like Yahoo!
Sites for information on citing Internet sources:
- MLA: http://www.cas.usf.edu/english/walker/mla.html
- APA: http://www.lib.usm.edu/userguides/apa.html
Typically, more recent (1995-on) citation guides in print include info on how to cite Internet sources.
Knowing URL endings will help students evaluate sources.
| .com
| commercial site
|
| .edu
| educational institution
|
| .org
| non-profit organization
|
| .gov
| government site
|
| .mil
| military
|
| .net
| network
|
These endings can give you clues to who is sponsoring the site. I don't suggest limiting
yourself (or students) to only .edu and .gov sites, but carefully evaluate every site using
the criteria for evaluating any source of information.
Using the Internet for in-class activities:
- research a topic during class
- find answers to grammar, citation, etc. questions
- access the English Dept. Writing Center: http://www.ColoState.EDU
- students can use reference materials or tutorials (soon!) to get help with their writing
- "Other Online Resources" has links to writing resources on the Internet for students
- audience analysis/claims & appeals exercises*
- evaluating sources exercises
*for example, you can have students look at particular sites you've found and answer the
typical audience questions for each site: who is the intended audience for this site?
are you part of the audience? what kinds of appeals do the authors use? etc.
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