assignment 1 ::web searching::

Our first assignment<-- Click that link to view the assignment** for Dr. Yuen had two parts. The first section required us to locate some information about current trends and information about telecommunications in education. I had a difficult time locating specific information using those key words. All I kept finding was sites that discussed careers in telecommunications or degrees in that field. I got a little frustrated but then I decided to change my searches. I began to search for web 2.0 and ICT (information and communication technology. Those searches were much more successful.

The second section required us to explore different search engines. I chose 5 from a list of nearly a hundred different search engines. I never realized that there were as many search engines. Some were very specialized, some had the same functions as some as the more popular ones, others simply "piggybacked" off of the more popular ones, and others weren't even worth mentioning.

I enjoyed the second part of this assignment especially because I was able to explore some different tools than I would have normally. I didn't find any search engines that would be able to replace Google, Yahoo, and Bing for me.. especially Google. I use multiple Google tools and the integration features between all those tools makes Google very difficult for me to replace. But we'll see.

I do feel that, especially when searching for new items, that multiple search engines are very useful. It is very similar to seeking out multiple perspectives about something. BUT trying out new search engines for everyday searches can be frustrating. I've been trying to use Bing a lot more lately, for no other reason than just to try it, and I have to admit, that I'm longing for Google almost every time I do. I enjoy Bing's Maps features and some of the video features, but I'm used to Google and most of the time I can't see enough difference to stop using it.  The search results are arranged a little differently and it is this small difference that can lead to frustration or a sigh of relief. I haven't reached meltdown and gone running back go Google, but I also haven't switched over to Bing 100%.  I have my little search bar in the top right hand corner of my browser set to Bing, my address bar set to Google, and my news search set to Yahoo. That way I can get all the information I want from whomever I want and I don't have to "search" trying to do it.

don't panic

mt