On this page are the assignments for Thursday of Week Two. 

DEADLINES: You should have your assignments completed by Monday, May 31, at 7 p.m.

Search engines and subject directories are the primary way most people do Internet research. We've already been introduced to some concepts and terms that will help us better use these tools.

This week, we will look more deeply at the differences between search engines and subject directories and also look at differences among the search tools themselves.

Please read a brief presentation:

2-Search Engines

I've also identified a good set of readings that should help us understand the strengths and weaknesses of various search tools. Please read from at least two of the following sources:

http://www.searchengineshowdown.com

http://www.philb.com/msengine.htm

http://www.placedirectory.com/toplinks.htm

Look for search engine charts and statistics. Familiarize yourself with the top search tools.

ASSIGNMENT ONE

Before Monday, May 31, 7 p.m., please read the brief presentation above and visit the linked sites and send me via email the answers to these questions:

* What's the difference between a subject directory and a search engine?

* When would you use a subject directory?

* How do search engines work?

* What are some of the top search engines and why are they rated so highly?

DANGER OF GOOGLE?

As you can tell by the course title, I've assumed that many of you are familiar with the primary search engine, Google. It is an amazing cultural phenomenon.

I want to talk about Google a little in conference. First I want you to get some background on Google. Please read a recent brief syndicated article, "A Window on the World," which provides background and up to date information.

Then read a companion article, a sidebar in journalese, on some of the implications of Google's great success, "Use of Internet Search Engine Has Become Pervasive."

Wired Magazine, along with other national publications, devoted full cover stories to Google. Read Wired's piece on Googlemania, concentrating especially on Google's use of ads.

ASSIGNMENT TWO

I want you to send me an email message that analyzes the main points of the stories. What did you find interesting in the background of Google? What did the authors find potentially harmful about Google's success?

ASSIGNMENT THREE

Then let's talk about Google in conference. Please go to our online discussion area at http://bb.lehigh.edu and talk about all this.

• Do you use Google?
• Do you use any other search engines?
• What troubles, if any, do you have with Google?
• Did you know about the placement of ads that correspond to your search?
• Do you have privacy concerns?

We'll talk about these issues later as well. But Google gives us a way to begin.

GRADING FOR CONFERENCE DISCUSSIONS

Remember: To get a solid B grade for your conference discussion, you should post three times over the next three days. You should write once early, anytime Thursday, Friday and before noon Saturday, responding to the assignment and making reference to the readings. Then before Monday, 7 p.m. you should post twice more, commenting on one or more of your classmates' postings.

If you do less than that, or cram all your messages into Monday afternoon, when your classmates don't really have time to respond, your grade ultimately will suffer.

To get an A, you should be contributing and commenting more frequently. You should be reading and responding regularly to classmates. Some people write 5-10 comments per assignment. This is an online seminar. An ongoing, thoughtful dialogue is our main goal. 

If you have any questions, just email me at jack.lule@lehigh.edu.

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