Going Above and Beyond

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

In a recent AP class, a student questioned the necessity of relying on experts, during a search for information needed for an academic assignment.  The internet has become the great leveler.   Information is ubiquitous, so there is no need to delve deeper, look to experts. Every question can be answered with a google search.  The search for truth and deep understanding is losing value.  I hope it is because they are young, hyper-efficient, and just enjoy questioning authority, in so many ways.

The patience needed for an in-depth exploration of a topic is in short supply.  It takes persistence, grit and a willingness to look beyond the obvious.  It is so easy to fall back on the familiar way of doing things.  Satisficing isn't "good enough", especially for students interested in enrolling in demanding university programs.

For those who are willing to pursue knowledge and dig deeper than what is available through Google, try databases.  We have four available at Salpointe: Opposing Viewpoints, Student Resources in Context, Academic OneFile and Gale Virtual Reference Library(GVRL).  Sometimes they are referred to as the deep web. They don't show up in a Google search because they are paid, proprietary databases with passwords.  They each offer something unique.  Opposing Viewpoints provides a pro and con approach to a topic, based on sources from magazines and newspapers.  Student Resources in Context is for students at the high school level and provides magazines, newspapers, reference books and primary sources.  Academic OneFile is for the university level providing newspapers, magazines and peer reviewed journals.  It can also be accessed through Google Scholar if you set up library links on the advanced search page.  GVRL is a replacement for the Reference section of a library.  It houses subject specific encyclopedias and eBooks.  The state of Arizona provides an array of databases usable by state residents using your zipcode as a login.  The Digital AZ Library (DAZL) provides everything from a Chilton car repair database, to genealogy, to PowerSpeak language study and databases for the youngest child.  If opened in the Chrome browser students can connect to their Google drive to download and save documents, and create citations with the EasyBib extension.

If you want to use Google to search for authoritative information, you need to start employing strategies that lead to a better quality of information.  Improved results occur when you use keywords, not natural language searching, or limiting your search to university sites by adding site:.edu.  There are no guarantees when you use Google.  You have to step up and evaluate the information on every site you use.  There is a downloadable bookmark available with search tips if you are interested in improving your search skills.