Learning Online: Searching and Researching
Improve your online research skills and your ability to critically analyse sources of information.
Duration
2 weeksWeekly study
2 hours
Learning Online: Searching and Researching
In this course, you’ll explore the rich and diverse range of information available to you online, how to use search tools effectively, and the ways in which you can begin to assess information that you might want to use in your studies. Using a wide range of learning activities, you will be challenged to dig deeper and think critically about the information that you find online.
This course is just one of a series about ‘learning online’, which introduces you to the essential skills and tools you need to study online.
What topics will you cover?
- Searching effectively online using a variety of search engines and tools
- Combining information from multiple sources, blending online and offline materials to aid research
- Sharing research to collaboratively develop a broader understanding of topics
- Assessing and evaluating information: considering the authority, timeliness and relevance of sources to ensure validity
- Critical thinking: utilising information and providing context to research to aid the drawing of conclusions
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Assess and record your current level of knowledge regarding searching and researching online.
- Identify and discuss your search engine of choice.
- Explore methods of using search tools more effectively to locate appropriate sources.
- Perform web searches using different ‘operators’ and advanced search options.
- Discuss the benefits of using a wide range of online sources for researching subjects.
- Demonstrate effective use of multiple sources to contribute information in a collaborative environment.
- Assess the quality and appropriateness of information found online to help determine its validity and contribute an example to the discussion.
- Identify sources which need to be up-to-date and relevant in order to be of use when researching. Demonstrate an understanding of some of the core principles of how to critically assess a source.
- Explore an information journey and produce a timeline relating to a topic of your choice.
- Assess your post-course knowledge of researching by participating in the test which concludes the course.
Who is the course for?
This course is part of the Going to University collection which has been specifically designed for schools and colleges. The course can be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource or can be studied independently by students.
Who will you learn with?
Educator, University of Leeds.
I lecture in History, specialise in Curriculum Design and build Digital Literacy and Digital Scholarship modules. I also lead the University's Liberal Arts programme.
Learning Advisor at Skills@Library, University of Leeds.
Who developed the course?
University of Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
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