The document discusses several myths and realities about using the internet for research. It notes that only 25% of web content is research worthy and that reputable educational (.edu) and government (.gov) websites should be used. It provides tips for effective internet research, including using keywords instead of topics for searches, using Boolean logic to limit results, and only reviewing the first 10 search engine results. Search engines work by having robots memorize website directories and list where search terms are found. The internet is not a replacement for primary sources or educational databases when conducting academic research.

1. Internet: Myths and Reality

2. The Web and the Law No one has to tell the truth Only Internet laws -- pornography & copyright Hard to enforce – use is international

3. WWW is wonderful  for communications for entertainment for business

4. The Web and Research Not the greatest for Educational research. Only 25% research worthy -- most is pay-for-view on the Invisible Web---like EBSCO and Worldbook and Gale. (Traveler databases) Pay-for-view sites never show up in search results list from search engine. Choose reputable pages and current pages --only use .gov or .edu (these we EXPECT to be the truth)

5. What’s the difference ??? WWW vs. Internet Internet -- system of connecting computers around the world WWW -- subset of computers using HTML software or web software sharing info from hard drives or servers Search engines search subset of WWW computers only

6. To Use Internet for Research Reputable search engines like Google (not Yahoo or Ask Jeeves -- topic searches not keyword-- good for searching for hotels, products, etc.) NEVER use the search button on browser Use 3 to 4 words with +sign Use Boolean logic to limit search Use quotes around compound nouns and phrases Only first 10 hits on results list; Go back, refine your search terms if not useful Don’t search from location bar

7. How Search Engines Work Gobots, robots or spiders Memorize www computer directories List on search engine where search terms found Broken links = search engine not updated regularly

8. NOT the be all -- end all Info HAS to be used quickly , easily , get primary source documents

9. Grows by 25 pages per second. Fluid, anonymous, constantly changing. Information Superhighway

10. Suggestions for Research Permit fewer Internet citations on research papers Require use of primary sources Require use of Traveler and district provided databases “Invisible Web” Educate faculty and students on educational and ethical use of computer resources