My teen's on the net......now what?

Google Searching 101

2008-04-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

I’m sure you all use Google, so here are some useful tips for you when searching the internet!

Remember if you need any assistance when searching the internet or seeking information the library are trained in locating and retrieving reliable and accurate information.

Not sure what word to use or want to maximize your results?

Try this symbol ~ (located on the top left of your keyboard)

For example

~run

Will also look for runners, running, marathon

~volunteer

Will also look for volunteering, non-profit, community service, internship

What does it do? It searches the google index for words / concepts that are similar! Kind of like a giant thesaurus.

Truncating searches.

I’m sure many of you already know this one, but if not, its great as it finishes the word for you. Did you know it also works in the middle of the sentence? (Great for the spelling impaired)

Example

bicycl*

bicycle, bicycles, bicycling, bicyclists

Need a particular file type?

Try the following

thucydides +"letype:pdf

doc, ppt, xls...

Why would you want to do this? A lot of information of the net isn’t published as a webpage, this means that when google tries to find it can’t search those key terms. By specifying a file type you can find things on the “dark web”.

Need something specific?

Try

“fairy tales” +prince -dragons

fairy tales that contain princes but no dragons

The advanced search function can also be used to the same effect.

Google Timeline rocks my world!

This is by far the coolest thing ever!!

Alright EVERYONE I want you to try this. Go to google and type in Queen Elizabeth view:timeline

Be amazed!! Scroll the timeline up and down to pick different historical periods.

This is a fantastic tool for students if they are unsure of dates etc.

Other cool Google Stuff

Google is a calculator! Just type in the sum and google will give you the answer!

Google is a dictionary! Just type in the word with define in front of it eg. Define:plasma

Google site specific searching! Want to get your information from a specific site?

Try this - plasma site:smh.com.au

This search will give you information on plasmas specifically from the Sydney morning herald.

Get thee to a library

2008-03-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

Remember that the library had some great information available and we don't just mean books. Get your library card ready to access some of the following.

Ever been asked for a newspaper article on a particular topic?

Online databases are great for accessing recent information. They provide articles from newspapers magazines and journals and are available from home.

The State Library of NSW has an even bigger selection of databases on specialised topics, including literature art and science. A NSW readers card is necessary for access.

Encyclopaedia Britannica is a fantastic alternative to Wikipedia. Information is authoritative, easy to understand and as a bonus they provide links to other articles and websites.

Camden Library also has links to great websites in the Assignment Links section and HSC Resources.

Podcasts

2007-09-02T21:57:00.002-07:00

Wikipedia has an excellent definition of podcasting. In laymans terms in allows users to download files (usually audio but also video) onto a computer, portable MP3 player, phone etc.

How do I find podcasts?

Many of your favourite radio stations offer podcasts of popular shows so have a look at their websites to discover if you can get your favourite program (at a time convenient to you). The sites below also give instructions on how to download podcasts.

If your'e looking for a podcast on a particular subject check out a search site like;

Podcast Alley
Yahoo Podcasts and if you have an Ipod try Itunes.

YouTube

2007-09-02T21:57:00.001-07:00

Youtube has turned anyone in to film makers.

It is used to;

promote great video clips from new bands like this one from OK GO which helped get them commercial airplay.
watch historical / cultural and politcial footage such as the Whitlam "It's time commercial"
make short films like Bob the Pen created by Camden Library Service and Camden Creative Studios.

Youtube is a worthwhile tool that can be used not only as a means of expression by teens, but also as a research tool to access archival and current footage (remember the same rules of authority apply).

Wiki's

2007-09-02T21:55:00.000-07:00

No they are not a species in Star Wars.

To find out what a wiki is look at the mother of all wiki sites Wikipedia's entry.

Wikipedia ia probably the most well known Wiki due to its ease of use and the comprehensiveness of its entries.

Is Wikipedia suitable for assignments?
No.
And Yes.

From year 7 up it is common for teachers to ask for assignments to be referenced - this indicates where the student has found the information. When high school students evaluate information it should come from a person or organisation that has authority (expert knowledge) on the subject.

A good reference for an assignment should generally come from a source that is an expert. Governments, Universities and Professional bodies are all examples of expert sources. Books and journals (academic magazines) undergo rigourous examination before being published - this is generally why they are considered good sources for assignments.

Because Wikipedia is a collaborative effort anyone can contribute to entries. While wikipedia monitors entries and tries to maintain their authenticity it may not get to an entry until after your child has used (wrong) information for an assignment.
Wikipedia is a great resource to provide an introduction to a topic - however all information should be double checked and should not be used when referencing assignments (especially at secondary and tertiary level).

As most kids don't have time to double check facts use something you can trust in the first place such as the online version of Enclopedia Brittanica. Or ask a Librarian.

Blogging

2007-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, it sounds like something that is caught in the back of your throat, but Blogs are an easily accessable Social Networking tool. Congratulations you are looking at one now!

So what are they?

A blog is short for "weblog". Basically they are an online journal that allows anyone to create anything and then tell the world.

Most people have looked at a blog without even realising it.

The following are some diverse examples of blogs;

The Youth Blog of the Camden Council Library Service informs the community of current library issues relating to youth.
Sydney Morning Herald News Blog allows readers to comment on the latest news stories
Cook anything at least once is an excellent cooking blog that not only has recipes, but also a running commentary of the authors life (which is is really what blogging is all about).

How do I set up a blog?

The easiest way is to use a blog hosting service and follow their instructions.

Blog Hosts include :

Blogger
Typad (Costs money)
Wordpress

Setting up your blog is easy, the hardest part will be deciding what to call your blog. There are only three steps:

1. Create an account - you need an email for this.

2.Name your blog - This is the hardest part it

3. Select your template - the creative part. Take a look at the tutorial of your blog host before you start to give you on overview.

How do I find blogs of interest?

Blog search engines include:

Internet Messaging

2007-09-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

This is where people can "chat" to friends in real time. This program is often used at the same time as other programs (teens are very good at multi-tasking or at least think they are.)

The main program used is Windows Live Messenger (MSN) - Arguably the most popular messaging service on the planet. It allows participants to chat via text and video, share folders and text message phones http://get.live.com/messenger/features.

Messenger is fantastic;

for keeping in touch with friends around the world, or next door
as it is is cheaper than a phone call
you can check what your friends thinks of your latest outfit / piercing without having to leave the house.
for wasting time while your parents think you are doing homework - looking at sites on the net while you are having a conversation (or multiple conversations) in the background with mates. (Have a look at the menu bar at the bottom of the page to see how many programs are open - or if you use tabbed browing look at how many tabs are open).

Another chat program (plug for libraries!!) which is useful for teens doing homework is AskNow! http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/ask/. This site is open from 9am - 7pm on weekdays and allows access to superlibrarians from the comfort of home. Remember this site if your teen (or you) is having trouble finding quality info on the net.

Security and Privacy

2007-08-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Talk to your teen

Find out what sites they use, why they like them, what their friends use.
Talk to them about what YOU feel comfortable with THEM doing.
Discourage them from providing personal info over the net - no surnames, email addresses phone numbers. Be careful with the pictures that you use. Don't mention sports teams or schools.
http://www.safeteens.com/ has some excellent tips. Have a loko at their section on grooming, it explains how some Internet predators operate.
Wired Safety has some tips on what you can do if your child won't talk to you (or you don't believe them).
Banning them from Internet access doesn’t work. If they think you will ban them from using the net, they probably won’t tell you about any problems they have had.
Whats hot, what’s not? Get them to teach you. Let them drive (the computer) and show you what they are into. Get them to book movie tix etc WITH YOU. You may learn something.
Check out the safety and privacy sections of social networking sites. What kind of safeguards do they have? Can the site be set to private? How are inappropriate sites identified? What is classified as inappropriate?

Filtering

This is a hot topic since the federal government released 'NetAlert - Protecting Australian Families Online'.

Details on federal policy and availability of filtering software can be found at http://www.netalert.gov.au/home.html

If you are using filtering software, explain to your teen why. Be aware that some filtering blocks sites your family may want to access.

Your library and filtering

Due to the diverse information needs encountered in public libraries, filtering on library's public access computers may not be what you would choose for your family at home. The Australian Library and Information Associations response to filtering in public libraries can be found at http://alia.org.au/advocacy/internet.access/pla.media.release.pdf

Tracking and KeyLoggers

These programs track where your child (or anyone else using your computer) goes on the Internet. They can be used to view sites (even after the history has been cleared) . Key Loggers keep a track of everything that is typed on a computer keyboard. Information on these programs can be found at WiredSafety and Safeteens.

Think carefully before employing these technologies, as teens may take affront to being spied upon.

If your looking for a site where Teens can learn about safety considerations etc. Try http://www.websafecrackerz.com/default.aspx. Websafecrackerz was developed to teach teens how to use the web safely.

MyFace? Bookbo? Spacebe? WHAT??????

2007-08-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

At present the three main social networking sites are MySpace, Bebo and Facebook.
Check out the library's MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/camdenlibrary

What do young (and old) people do with them?

Create a profile that reflects their interests. Add favourite music, movies, etc.
Pimp your page (make it look pretty, cool, hot, sick). People can code their own sites if they know html or there are free editors available (they make it look pretty without you having to be a techie).
Get other people to look at profile. The more page views and the more friend requests, the more popular the person is. THIS IS WHY TEENS LIKE IT!!!

Who Can Have a Profile?

Anyone!!
Music Performers can get their own kind of profile on MySpace and Bebo.
Authors, Corporations, Libraries usually use a personal profile.
No-one has to prove who they are. Teens like the annonymity as it allows them to explore their identity.

What is social networking?

2007-08-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

Social networking allows friends to stay in touch over the internet. Typically they allow viewable profiles, the ability to “become friends” with other users with common interests, share stories through blogs, post pictures, invite to events and generally get their opinions out there in the universe.

Web 2.0

Web 2.0 is the term used to define the next generation of Internet social networking technologies. It includes (but is not limited to):

Social networking sites like MySpace, Bebo and Facebook

Blogs

Wiki's

Movie sharing like YOUTUBE

Photo sites like Flickr

Podcasts

Why do teens use them?

They like to show off to their friends!!!!

They also allow teens to explore their identity by creating profiles that exhibit their style, their music and their thoughts. This is an important part of adolescent development.

They are easily changable, so as their interests change, they are able to reflect this in their websites.