Topic outline

  • Welcome

  • Introduction

    • Why this Unit?

      This unit introduces you to effective internet search techniques, including using search engines, selecting reliable sources, and applying filters to get accurate results. By mastering these strategies, you will save time, access trustworthy information, and enhance your learning and teaching experiences.

      You will also get hands-on experience in searching for information online, evaluating websites, and using free, quality learning materials that are openly licensed and accessible. This unit will strengthen your digital literacy, make your learning more independent, and prepare you to become a responsible and informed internet user.

      Unit Competencies

      By the end of this Unit, you will develop the following competencies

      1. Describe the concept of internet
      2. Applying internet searching techniques to search learning materials effectively
      3. Identifing credible and reliable sources of academic information

  • Lesson 1: Introduction to Internet Search

    • Introduction

      The       internet is a global network that connects computers and digital devices, enabling people to access, share, and communicate information instantly. It supports activities such as learning, communication, research, entertainment, and online services through websites, emails, social platforms, and cloud resources. 

      Internet search is the process of finding information online by using a search engine. The user enters relevant words, and the search engine displays websites, images, or videos that match the request. Effective searching involves choosing clear keywords and evaluating the information retrieved to ensure it is accurate and trustworthy.

      Lesson outcomes

      On completion of this lesson you will be able to:
           1. Understand the role of internet search in teaching and learning. 
           2. Describe challenges pertaining internet searching.

      Instructions

      As you go through this lesson, watch the short videos on internet searching and practice these tips to become a more independent and critical digital learner.
    • Discussion

      In the forum below let us as a class discuss the following:
        1. Identify examples of useful vs. misleading online information.
        2. Compare search results on Google, Bing and any AI tool of your familiar for the same query.
    • Internet Search Basics Forum
      Make forum posts: 1

  • Lesson 2: Search Strategies and Techniques

    • Introduction

      In this lesson, you will explore strategies and techniques for effective internet searching in education, which are essential for finding accurate, credible, and ethical information.

      The unit introduces you to the skills needed to navigate the vast amount of information available online efficiently. In today’s digital world, mastering these strategies will enabling you to access relevant, reliable, and high-quality resources for your lesson preparation. Also, learning these strategies and techniques helps save time, improves the quality of academic work, and protects you from misinformation. Ultimately, effective internet search skills empower you to become independent, critical thinkers who can confidently use digital resources to support your career in education.

      Lesson outcomes

      On completion of this lesson you will be able to:

        1. Apply effective search strategies and appropriate techniques
        2. Use advanced search techniques to locate relevant information.


      Instructions: Read the strategies and techniques in the pages below then watch the video provided

    • 20-minute Practice: Smart Internet Searching

      Time: 20 minutes total

      1. Task A (5 minutes)
        Search this exact phrase (use quotation marks):
        “active learning strategies in secondary classrooms”
        Action: Note the top 3 results (title + source). For each result, write one short reason why you think it is credible (for example, university, publication date, author).
      2. Task B (8 minutes)
        Search using keywords (no full sentence):
        digital literacy Tanzania teachers resources
        Action: Apply a filter for recent results (for example, last 3 years). Select one useful resource (title + link) and write one or two sentences explaining why it is relevant for Tanzanian teachers.
      3. Task C (7 minutes)
        You need a visual for a lesson on climate change. Search:
        causes climate change infographic
        Action: Use the Images view or filter by file type (PDF) to find a suitable infographic or downloadable PDF. Copy the title and link, and write one line on how you would use it in class with learners.


      Submission: Paste your answers into the Moodle assignment box or upload a short document that lists Tasks A, B, and C with your responses (links and short notes).

      Purpose: Practice using exact phrases, keywords, and filters, and thinking quickly about credibility and classroom use. This helps you become a confident digital learner and teacher.


    • Practical Activity: Searching, Evaluating, and Citing Information

      This activity will help you practice using reliable sources, smart search techniques, and proper citation — just as described in the passage above. You’ll explore real Tanzanian education topics and learn to find, judge, and record trustworthy information.

  • Lesson 3: Evaluating Online Resources

    • Introduction

      Evaluating online resources is a crucial skill in today’s academic era, as it ensures that the information used for teaching and learning is both reliable and appropriate. By exploring the guidelines on identifying credible versus unreliable websites, and understanding the differences between open, free, and subscription-based resources, for this case, you can make informed choices about the materials you use. This process not only improves the quality of instruction but also models for students the importance of critical thinking and responsible use of digital information in their own academic work.

      Lesson outcomes

      On completion of this lesson you will be able to evaluate online learning resources.

      Instructions

      Using the pages below, explore all the issues related to online resources, identify credible and non-credible sources, and learn to distinguish between different types of resources.

  • Lesson 4: Search with Artificial Intelligence (AI)

    • Introduction

      For many years, teachers have relied on traditional search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo to find information, lesson ideas, and teaching resources. While these tools are still useful, a new generation of digital assistants known as Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms is changing how we search, understand, and apply information. AI offers exciting opportunities to find curriculum-aligned resources more quickly and to support learners more effectively.

      Lesson outcome

      On completion of this lesson you will be able to use AI tools to search online learning resourses.

      Instructions

      1. Access and study the resources below
      2. Do the assignment 
      3. Upload your assignment using the assignment upload tool below.

    • Assignment 4: Search with AI
      Make a submission

  • Unit Discussion

    • You have now studied basic search engine techniques, search strategies, information literacy, and the evaluation of online resources using tools like the CRAAP Test. Today, many teachers and learners are also beginning to use AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot to support their searching, summarising, and understanding of information. This brings both opportunities and responsibilities.
      Access the forum below to answer the following questions.

    • Unit 7 Discussion Forum
      View Make forum posts: 1

  • Unit Assessment

    • This quiz assesses your understanding of the key skills covered in the unit including internet search techniques, search strategies, information literacy, evaluation of online resources, and the use of AI tools. Answer all questions carefully to demonstrate how confidently you can apply these skills in your teaching practice.

  • Summary and Conclusion

    • Through this unit, you have achieved several key competencies that strengthen your ability to teach effectively in a digital world. Specifically, you are now able to:

      • Explain the importance of internet search skills and their role in enhancing teaching, learning, and research.
      • Differentiate between general web resources and scholarly sources, ensuring the use of credible and reliable information.
      • Apply effective search techniques such as keywords, Boolean operators, and filters to locate targeted information efficiently.
      • Evaluate online resources for accuracy, credibility, and relevance before integrating them into classroom practice.
      • Use AI tools responsibly to streamline internet searches, generate curriculum-aligned resources, and verify AI-generated information using trusted sources such as TIE and NECTA.


      By achieving these outcomes, you are now empowered to use the internet and AI tools more effectively, model responsible digital practices, and support your students in becoming confident, informed digital citizens.

  • References, Attribution and License