Tutorial Sections 1 - 4 Section 1: Introduction to the Web Read about Section 1 Go directly into Section 2: Strategies for Locating Reliable HIV/AIDS Information on the Web Read about Section 2 Go directly into Section 3: Using Search Engines Effectively Read about Section 3 Go directly into Section 4: Evaluating Web Sites Read about Section 4 Go directly into TUTORIAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WEB This section is designed for new Web users who are not yet familiar or comfortable with moving around the Web, using Netscape and/or Internet Explorer, or understanding Web vocabulary. Section 1 includes a brief background on how the Internet and Web developed and evolved over the years, and introduces commonly used Web vocabulary terms such as "URL," "HTML," and other terms. A basic tour of Web browsers (Netscape or Internet Explorer) is provided. Commonly used buttons and features such as the “back” and “forward” buttons, address menu, or “home” options are pointed out. At the end of Section 1, you will have the chance to quiz yourself about what you learned, send your questions to a reference librarian if the tutorial did not address your specific questions, or find out about how to learn more about Web basics. If you know that you need a basic overview of Web history and basics, you can also click on this link to go directly into back to top SECTION 2 STRATEGIES FOR LOCATING RELIABLE HIV/AIDS INFORMATION ON THE WEB Begin with section 2 if you are a comfortable Web user, and do not need a basic introduction to Web functions or terminology. Section 2 discusses alternatives to using search engines, showing you how to quickly find the best, most reliable HIV/AIDS information without wasting a lot of time and energy. Section 2 also introduces you to several high quality HIV/AIDS Web sites. At the end of Section 2, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of HIV/AIDS Web sites on your own, apply the information-seeking strategies that you have learned, or e-mail your questions to a librarian. Click on this link to go directly into back to top SECTION 3 USING SEARCH ENGINES EFFECTIVELY Section 3 begins with a basic introduction to the functions and features of search engines (such as Yahoo, Google, or others). Section 3 then shows you strategies and tips for using search engines more effectively, quickly, and easily. At the end of Section 3, you will have the chance to quiz yourself on what you have learned, explore search engines on your own, find out about how to learn more about Web search engines, or e-mail your questions to a librarian. Click on this link to go directly into back to top SECTION 4 EVALUATING WEB SITES Section 4 introduces you to a series of standard criteria for evaluating Web sites, teaching you to determine if the Web sites that you've found are valid and accurate, timely, or reliable. At the end of Section 4, you can quiz yourself on what you've learned, practice applying evaluation techniques to Web sites, find out about other resources that have information on evaluating Web sites, or e-mail your questions to a librarian. Click on this link to go directly into back to top TUTORIAL GOALS AND OBJECTIVES This tutorial is designed to not only introduce you to a variety of quality HIV/AIDS Web sites, but also show you how to find useful information on your own. After finishing sections 1 - 4 of the tutorial, you will be a more comfortable and savvy Web user. You should be able to: Maneuver effectively through the Web, recognizing commonly used Web browser commands, buttons, and features. Recognize, use, or define simple Web vocabulary and terminology (URL, http, html, etc.). Identify the kinds of information that are available on the Web; recognize the uses of the Web as a communications and learning tool, or information resource. Describe reliable strategies for locating useful Web-based HIV/AIDS information. Demonstrate the effective use of established Web collections such as MEDLINEplus and others. Demonstrate the ability to use the basic functions of Web search engines (including the use of Boolean logic (AND, OR) and other search engine features.). Compare search engines; understand and compare the results of searches executed in different search engines. Evaluate the content, quality, and authority of Web sites. back to top

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