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Source Evaluation guide

Find tools, tips, and tricks for evaluating print sources, websites, and other online resources.

Introduction

Google & Search Engines

Google has only existed for about 20 years (Heffernan, 2017). It spawned imitators while billions continue to use it for academic research or to find directions to the nearest restaurant. Understanding how Google works, even a little, will go a long way in evaluating online information better. 

Source: Heffernan, V. (2017, November 15). Just Google it: A short history of a newfound verb. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/just-google-it-a-short-history-of-a-newfound-verb/

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Resources

How Do Online Search Engines Work?

Algorithms and search engine optimization (SEO) are key components in determining why you get particular results in Google and other search engines. It isn't always about how accurate the results are but about how popular that site is that moves it to the top of the pile. Understanding how search engines work will help you understand why you get the results you do.

General Resources on search engine optimization and algorithms

Understand search engine basics (in Computer Literacy for Windows 10)

Get the basics of how search engines work.

 

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