MC30710 - RESEARCHING ONLINE

Module Identifier

MC30710

Module Title

RESEARCHING ONLINE

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Dr Daniel G J Chandler

Semester

Intended for use in future years

Next year offered

N/A

Next semester offered

N/A

Pre-Requisite

IL10720 , Either of the above modules or acceptable evidence of independent web competence, IL32900 , IL10920

Course delivery

Lecture

10 HOURS

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	a report surveying online resources in a relevant topic area to be agreed (2000 words,) [linked to Learning Objectives 1, 2 and 3]	50%
Semester Assessment	Resit Information a related small-scale research proposal involving the gathering of data online, outlining the proposed methodologies for data-gathering and analysis and discussing any ethical issues: 2500 words plus online elements - such as a survey form [linked to Learning Objectives 4 and 5]	50%

Further details

http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Modules/MC30710

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

make effective use of online search engines for research purposes;
demonstrate familiarity with online bibliographic sources in a relevant field;
evaluate the relevance, provenance and reliability of online materials;
articulate basic methods of gathering and analysing online data;
articulate key ethical issues in researching online.

Brief description

Students will propose a topic relevant to their degree on which they will conduct extensive searches, using standard library and bibliographic, WWW and internet searches and other methods of searching,as appropriate, to identify as wide a range of relevant materials as they are able. They will prepare a report on the methods and results of the searches which will include an evaluation of the status, provenance ans reliability of the located resources.

Aims

The aim of this module is to give students the opportunity to test and develop their skills in using the WWW, the internet and other available sources as resources for knowledge. Since it will work largely on a self-managed basis, with only limited tutorial guidance after initial approval of the topic, it will also be an opportunity for students to develop and be tested on their ability to work independently, via a self-defined project.

Reading Lists

Books
Campbell, David R (1995) The student's guide to doing research on the Internet Addison Wesley
Fielden, Ned L (1998) Internet research: theory and practice Mc Farland and Co
McGuiness, Kevin (1998) Research on the Net Old Bailey Press
O Dochartaigh, Niall (2002) The Internet reasearch handbook: A practical guide for students and researchers in the social sciences Sage

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6