Section outline

  • Course Overview

    This course provides a clear understanding of the most popular online search strategies, including Boolean Logic. It’ll help you to decide which is the best search strategy to fit your needs, and gives lots of practical examples for carrying out a search using the most common approaches and tools. 

    Learning Outcomes

    This course will help you to:

    1. Recognize the benefits of an online search strategy 
    2. Understand the most popular types of searches, and the benefits/limitations of each (including Boolean)
    3. Apply search strategies in response to specific assignments/ research questions
    4. Search online repositories including Google Scholar
    5. Recognize when search results are relevant and useful
    6. Keep effective records of search results

    • Course Instructor: Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh

      • Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh

        Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh is the Head of School in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport at Open University. Eric has over 20 years of professional experience that involves teaching, research, consultancy and public engagement. He was admitted into Fellowship by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT in 2012 for demonstrating leadership, eminence and authority in the area of educational technologies. In recognition of his expertise, significant impact and contribution to leadership and management in education and training, he was awarded Chartered Fellowship by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) in the same year. Prior to joining the Open University in 2011, Eric worked in the Further Education (FE) sector in England from 2000-2010, firstly as a lecturer in Computing and ICT and then in a range of leadership and management positions. During his career in FE, he led and managed a number of subject areas, including Science and Mathematics; Information and Communication Technology; and Business.

        View Bio for Dr. Eric Addae-Kyeremeh

      • Course Resources

        You will need to access certain files and resources throughout the course to get the most out of the activities. You can find them all here.   

      • Video Transcripts

        You can access all video transcripts here.

      • Pre-Course Self Assessment

        Before you dive into this course, spend a few moments reflecting on your familiarity with the topic and your current level of skills confidence.  

        You will then re-visit the same questions in our Post-Course Self Assessment and reflect on how the course has helped you develop in confidence and grow your skills. 

        • Module One: What Is a Search Strategy?

          This module will help you to: 

          1. Recognize the benefits of using online search      
          2. Establish the importance of developing a search strategy before starting your essay or assignment    
          3. Avoid some of the pitfalls in searching for online sources   

        • Module Two: Boolean Logic Searches

          This module will help you to: 

          1. Determine appropriate keywords for a search on a given topic, including synonyms   
          2. Adapt your use of keywords to improve your search     
          3. Plan and carry out a basic search in a database  

        • Module Three: Searching Online Repositories

          This module will help you to: 

          1. Apply search strategies to find information from online repositories    
          2. Use Google Scholar to find information for your studies or assignment   
          3. Search other websites and repositories for materials and digital assets licensed under Creative Commons   

        • Module Four: Managing and Analyzing Search Results

          This module will help you to: 

          1. Quickly decide which of the materials you have retrieved are most relevant for your topic    
          2. Keep a record of what you read and intend to read in an efficient way   
          3. Use online tools to keep up to date with information in your subject or interest area   

        • Glossary of Key Terms

          In addition to the glossary you’ll find woven throughout the course, you can find the full glossary collated in one place here.  

        • Post-Course Self Assessment

          Now you’ve completed the course, spend a few moments reflecting on where your familiarity with the topics and your confidence skills levels are at now.  

          Has the course helped you develop new skills and grow your confidence? 

          You'll need to complete the Post-Course Self Assessment in order to download your certificate. If you didn't do the Pre-Course Self Assessment before starting the course, please go to the top of the page and reflect on your familiarity with the topic and your level of skills confidence before you started the course.  

          • Completion: Certificate

            Completing all modules (plus the pre and post-course assessments) will unlock the course certificate, which you can then download here. Your course certificate will only be made available once you have completed all these sections.

            If you have difficulty accessing your certificate, please contact the Sage support team at: onlinesupport@sagepub.co.uk. You can also check out this FAQ page which may be helpful.

            • Give Feedback About This Course

              Did you enjoy the course? Please take two minutes to share your feedback. We use learner feedback in future course updates and developments to provide an excellent learning experience. 

            • Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

              We have high standards of accessibility on Sage Campus and as of May/June 2024 all activities within this course are keyboard and screen reader compatible. For more details on accessibility standards, please see the Sage Campus Accessibility Guide.

              For those using assistive technology, please note that within this course:

              • Tab components: JAWS and NVDA behave slightly differently. For NVDA to keep reading, it is best to exit focus mode and go back to browse mode. 
              • Matching: JAWS does not read out question label on dropdown focus. 

              Additionally, please refer to our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion statement which outlines our commitment to high standards of DEI on Sage Campus.