Digging through science books and encyclopedias is a great way to track down information. That said, the internet is a much more efficient resource for finding the answers you’re looking for. Here are some tips to help your child learn to use online research tools.
Your child probably already uses search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing to track down information. But do they know how to get the most out of these tools? Here are some strategies your child can use to maximize their chances of finding the answers to their questions:
When conducting an internet search, it’s a good idea to use keywords (i.e., the most significant words related to a concept). To improve the likelihood your child will find the information they need, you can suggest that they use keywords while following these guidelines:
When your child uses a search engine, they’re casting a very wide net. To narrow their scope, they can start by visiting credible websites:
Statistics Canada’s website provides access to a range of information on the economy, health, society, and the environment.
The Radio-Canada archives (French only) include an impressive selection of documentaries and films. Each one is like a memory bank of our country’s rich heritage.
BAnQ is a true goldmine of information. On its website, visitors have free access to a multitude of unpublished documents related to Quebec’s heritage. The organization’s books, movies, games, music, and newspapers are sure to hold the answers your child needs.
Google Scholar Canada, an academic search engine run by the digital giant Google, lets users search for scientific papers and other scholarly publications. In addition to providing access to quality content, the tool allows you to create a personal library of saved articles. You can also make a list of articles you’d like to read later.
The online Canadian Encyclopedia aims to document the history, ideas, and people of our country. From agriculture to energy to local athletes, your child will have access to a wealth of valuable information.
YouTube is the ultimate video-sharing platform. The third-most-visited site on the web, it’s an indispensable resource for finding instructional videos. In fact, kids can find our tutorials and other educational videos on YouTube.
Many of the pieces in the Canadian Museum of History’s collection have been digitized, much to everyone’s delight. Having quick access to an artefact could help your child find an important date, or link the item to a historical event.
Of all the online resources available, the Encyclopédie Larousse (French only) is certainly one of the most comprehensive, with 135,000 definitions, 90,000 articles on various subjects, 92,000 synonyms, and much more !
To protect children from misinformation, it’s important to teach them how to identify reliable websites. If you’re wondering how to approach the issue, check out the following article: Explaining website credibility to your child.
Although most information on the internet is free, your child can’t necessarily use it however they like. When your child uses someone else’s words and ideas indirectly, they need to acknowledge their source using in-text citations or footnotes. These may include the following information:
If your child uses someone else’s words or writing directly, they need to indicate that the material has been quoted. You can remind them of the following guidelines:
Writing : The Alloprof Parents’ team