Strategies for Effective Internet Search in Education
Strategies for internet Searching
As teachers, we use the internet every day — to prepare lessons, find past papers, or explore new teaching ideas. To make sure we use it wisely, here are a few important rules to guide you:
1. Use reliable and credible sources.
Always look for trusted sites such as .edu, .org, or .gov websites, or academic databases like Google Scholar, TIE (Tanzania Institute of Education), NECTA, UNESCO, ScienceDirect, or JSTOR. These sources are checked and verified — unlike many blogs or social media posts that may share incorrect information.
2. Search smartly.
Type specific keywords, not full sentences. For example, type photosynthesis process in plants instead of what is the process of photosynthesis?
If you need exact results, use quotation marks: “Newton’s second law”, and if you want to remove unwanted results, add a minus sign: “Newton’s second law” -game.
You can also make searches more relevant by adding Tanzania or Form Four — for example, form four physics past papers Tanzania.
3. Avoid plagiarism.
Don’t copy and paste from the internet. Always read, understand, and write the ideas in your own words. When using someone’s work, cite the source properly using standard styles such as APA or MLA. This builds academic honesty and good professional habits.
4. Think critically about what you read.
Ask yourself: Who wrote this? When was it published? Is it fair and balanced? Is it still current?
Choose materials that are recent and relevant. Also, respect copyright and intellectual property. Whenever possible, use Open Educational Resources (OER) or materials with Creative Commons licences, such as free lesson plans from OER Africa or the TIE Digital Library.
5. Stay focused and manage your time.
When studying or preparing lessons online, avoid distractions such as social media or mobile games. Try using tools like Google Keep or a simple timer to stay on task.
6. Cross-check your information.
Never rely on just one website. Compare information from at least two or three sources before trusting it. And remember — don’t just look for answers! Search for tutorials, explanations, or project ideas that help you understand and teach better, such as how to teach fractions using local materials or STEM project ideas for Form 2 students in Tanzania.
By following these simple rules, you’ll strengthen your digital literacy skills, become a more independent learner, and use the internet responsibly and effectively to improve your teaching and your students’ learning.