Web+Literacy+10



=**Web Literacy 10 : Creating a Virtual Index**=


 * Aim:**

How do I create a virtual index on the Web using the site: command?


 * Common Core State Standards:**


 * CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7** Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.


 * CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8** Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.


 * Objectives:**

Students will learn how and why to create a virtual index using the site: command.


 * Vocabulary:**


 * virtual index
 * site: command


 * Introduction:**

There is a special search feature that can allow you to save time when searching for valuable information within large sites.

It's called creating a virtual index or a quick list of Web pages with the same root domain name.


 * Discussion:**

To illustrate how the virtual index works, try creating one with the NASA Web site.

To create an index, use the site: command search in Google. This is the same command used with extensions in the previous lesson, however, we are using it to search for results from one full domain name, nasa.gov.


 * In-Class Activity:**

1) Create a new page on your wiki and name it Web Literacy 10. You will write all your answers on this page.

2) Go to Google and in the search box type: site:nasa.gov. Leave out the www and http:. You should retrieve a long list of pages from the NASA site. The actualy number of nasa.gov pages will be displayed at the top of your search. If you look at the URL of each, you will see they all include nasa.gov in the URL. Note that there are no sponsored results at the top. This list represents an index of the site, similar to the index in the back of a book. However, the list is neither alphabetized nor arranged by category. With a few commands, you can organize it to suit your needs. It's possible to pinpoint particular pages or resources by adding specific words or phrases to this query.

3) Try narrowing your search by adding a phrase or a keyword. For example, mars site:nasa gov. Your search results should include all the Web pages from this site that include the word Mars. If you are interested in any student activities that deal with Mars you could try mars + student activities site:nasa.gov. As the list of links becomes more focused and manageable, you can keep adding search terms.

4) I want you to continue to either think about a topic you'd like to research, or to visit Web sites related to something you are learning in school. Perform a search in the search engine of your choice of a Web site of your choice using the site:command.

5) Record your search topic for me, your search query using the site: command, and how many results you received when you performed your search.


 * Summary Activity:**

3-2-1

Name 3 new things you learned from the lesson.

Name 2 areas in which you are still confused.

Name 1 way you might apply what you've learned to another area.


 * Source:**

November, Alan (2008). //Web literacy for educators//. Thousand Oaks, CA : Corwin Press.