Topic outline

  • Welcome

  • Introduction

    • Why this Unit?                                                                                                                                                                      Internet search       Developing strong internet search skills is essential for finding, evaluating, customising, and using quality digital resources to enrich your teaching and support student learning in today's information rich world. When you apply effective searching techniques and critically assess online sources, you model digital literacy and help your students become confident, responsible researchers. Recent national documents, such as the Education and Training Policy 2023, National Digital Education Strategy, the National AI Guidelines in Education, and National Digital Education Guidelines for Schools and Teacher Colleges, emphasise the importance of building digital competencies, including critical information literacy and the ethical use of AI-powered search tools. In this unit, you will describe the concept of the internet, apply effective searching techniques to find learning materials, identify credible and reliable academic sources, and explore searching with Artificial Intelligence. By the end of this unit, you will feel more confident navigating online information, distinguishing trustworthy content, and using AI tools responsibly to support your professional practice. This Unit is designed to support you as a digitally literate educator who empowers learners to search, evaluate, and use information ethically and effectively in their academic journey.

      Unit Competencies

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

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

      4. Searching with Artificial Intelligence (AI).


  • 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.

      A search engine is an online tool used to search, find, and display information available on the internet by using specific keywords. Search engines help users access millions of web pages, articles, and educational materials within a short time. Examples of commonly used search engines include Google LLC, Microsoft Corporation search engine known as Bing (search engine), and Yahoo! Inc.. An effective use of search engines requires selecting appropriate keywords, evaluating the credibility of sources, and checking the accuracy and relevance of the information obtained. Search engines play an important role in supporting online learning, research, and access to Open Educational Resources (OER).

      Lesson outcomes

      On completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
           1. Explain  the role of internet search in teaching and learning. 
           2. Describe challenges pertaining to 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 you are familiar with

    • 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.

      A strategy is a planned approach used to guide the overall process of searching for information on the internet. It involves deciding what information is needed, selecting appropriate keywords, choosing reliable websites, and evaluating the credibility of sources. An effective online search strategy ensures that the information collected is accurate, relevant, and trustworthy. In this case, a strategy focuses on the broader plan that directs how different search techniques will be used to achieve a specific goal.

      A technique is a specific method used to perform a particular task when searching for information on the internet. It refers to the practical steps a person takes to find accurate and relevant information. For example, using quotation marks to search for an exact phrase, applying keywords carefully, or filtering results by date are common online search techniques. These techniques help users locate reliable information quickly and efficiently. In this context, a technique focuses on how the search process is carried out.

      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 links 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 will 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 based on credibility, accuracy, relevance, and currency.

      Instructions

      Using the links 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    Searching with AI                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
      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 resources.

      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

    • At this point, you have covered how to describe the concept of the internet search, apply effective internet searching techniques to find quality learning materials, identify credible and reliable sources of academic information, and search using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. It is now time to engage in discussions with other teachers and share your strategies for finding, evaluating, and using online resources in your teaching practice. Click on the Discussion Forum below and read the instructions carefully. Click on Reply and post your answers based on your learning and classroom experience. Once you have shared your post, please read contributions from your fellow teachers and reply to at least two posts to exchange ideas, search tips, and reflections on using AI-powered tools for learning design and research. Your participation helps us build a stronger community of practices and promotes critical information literacy across our schools.

    • Unit 7 Discussion Forum
      View Make forum posts: 1

  • Unit Assessment

    • It is time to check your understanding of this Unit. Take a quick, friendly quiz to see how well you can describe the internet, apply effective search techniques, identify credible academic sources, and search using Artificial Intelligence.

  • Summary and Conclusion

    • In this Unit, you covered the concept of the internet search and how it connects teachers to vast learning resources worldwide. You engaged in learning activities and participated in the discussion forum to share what you learned about applying effective internet searching techniques for finding quality learning materials. You also practised identifying credible and reliable sources of academic information while exploring how to search with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. By developing these skills, you now have stronger strategies to find, evaluate, customise, and use online resources confidently in your teaching practice.

      You have done excellent work sharpening your internet search skills and learning to spot trustworthy information online. Now that you can apply advanced search techniques and use AI-powered tools, you are ready to help your students become smarter digital researchers, too. Keep practising these skills and sharing your discoveries with colleagues to build a culture of critical information literacy in your school. Congratulations on completing this unit and becoming a more confident, savvy internet user for education.


  • References, Attribution and License