SECTION 4.1
Internet searching

Basics of internet searching: Getting to know about web browsers

The internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that allow people from all over the world to distribute, publish, share and exchange information. 

After studying this module, the students will be able to

1. explain the roles of  the internet in searching for information about ASEAN.

What is a web browser?

A web browser is the tool you use to access the World Wide Web. In order to get the most out of the Web, it is important to understand the various features of a browser.

2. explain important terminology about internet and web browsers.

SECTION 4.2
Search engines

What are search engines?

Search engines are huge databases of web page files that have been assembled automatically by machine. 

3. describe search engines and their roles in searching the internet.

How do search engines work?

Search engines compile their databases by employing "spiders" or "robots" to crawl through web space from link to link, identifying and perusing pages. Sites with no links to other pages may be missed by the spiders altogether. Once the spiders get to a website, they typically index most of the words on the publicly available pages at the site.

4. explain how search engines work.

What are the pros and cons of search engines?

Search engines provide access to a fairly large portion of the publicly available pages on the Web, which itself is growing exponentially.  On the down side, the sheer number of words indexed by search engines increases the likelihood that they will return hundreds of thousands of retrieved items to simple search requests.

5. explain the advantages and disadvantages of search engines.

Are search engines all the same?

Although software programs may be similar, no two search engines are exactly the same in terms of size, speed and content; no two search engines use exactly the same ranking schemes, and not every search engine offers you exactly the same search options.

6. select appropriate search engines.

SECTION 4.3
Keywords and search engines

What is a keyword?

A keyword can be a person’s name, a name of an institute, an abbreviation of an organization (UN for United Nations), a word from the title of a book, words from a quote, or a term that represents your topic of interest or the combination of all of the above. 

7. describe what a keyword is.

Searching savvy on the internet

There are some great tips for searching more effectively, such as searching exact words or phrases, excluding a word, site search, etc.

8. use different commands to search more effectively.

Several criteria can be used to evaluate search results:  ways used to locate a result, site’s domain, authority, accuracy and objectivity, currency, and, functions of the page.

9. evaluate search results.

SECTION 4.4 Reference sources about ASEAN

Dictionaries and translation tools

Reference sources are designed to be consulted rather than read through.  There are a number of bilingual dictionaries of local languages spoken in ASEAN countries and free translation tools.

10. explain dictionaries of ASEAN local languages and translation tools on the internet.
11. explain the advantages and disadvantages of a translation tool.

Encyclopaedia or encyclopedia

Encyclopaedia or encyclopedia contain information on all branches of knowledge, or a particular branch of knowledge, in a comprehensive manner.

12. explain encyclopedia on ASEAN on the internet.

Guides to ASEAN resources.

Some educational and research institutions compile lists of recommended resources to ASEAN that can be used to directly link to websites.

13. explain guides to ASEAN resources on the internet.

Access to documents and other resources

There are other ways to get direct access to resources: library online catalogs, research networks and conference proceedings.

14. explain how to get access to documents and other resources about ASEAN on the internet.

Searching for career-related information within ASEAN and beyond

To find career-related information within ASEAN, one needs to search for various types of related information.

15. search for career-related information within ASEAN on the internet.

SECTION 4.5 How to keep up to date with mobility

Mobile apps and ASEAN

A mobile app, short for mobile application, or just app, is application software designed to run on smart phones, tablet computers and other mobile devices.

16. give examples about mobile applications related to ASEAN.