Section 3: Finding and Educational Video & Tool

The best place to search for an educational video and tool is online, and using advanced search strategies in Google will make this process easier. However, keep in mind that, just like searching in a library database, online research for college purposes can take time and requires patience to find appropriate sources.

Advanced Google Search Tips 

Video: Searching for Educational Videos & Tools

Domain Searching

One easy way to limit your web search and to help you find websites which are likely credible is to limit your search by what is called the top-level domain. Two restricted domains we often search first are .gov and .edu.

• The .edu domain is restricted to use only by colleges and universities. In general, we consider  information on .edu sites to be credible if it was created by a college department, research institute, or an instructor.

Because we know where restricted domain websites like .gov and .edu came from, we can more easily decide if the information is credible or not. Many other common domains like .org and .com are not restricted; they can be created by any type of person or group, so we have to be more careful when deciding if the authors are experts or not.

For example, a search for Education* AND video site:.edu will only bring results from educational websites. If you search for Education AND video site:.org  will mostly get results from non-profit organizations.

Be aware that there are some uncommon exceptions to domain restrictions.  So, if you find a .gov website, for example, that you don't think is genuinely from a US government entity, check with a librarian or your instructor for advice, or don't use the site as a research source. 

Tip: Search Broadly and Narrowly

Use search terms like education AND video but also look for specific types of educational videos on your topic, especially if you found something of interest in a scholarly article, which are very specific.

IMPORTANT

Is there a specific aspect of self-discovery and thinking that you find interesting? Is there a specific name, person, title, or concept that you can search for?

Is there a specific aspect of humans and learning that are of interest. How we retain information, take notes, etc? Are there specific experts in the field or names of concepts you can search. 

Just in case it's helpful, here is an example of a educational resource,  Effective Note-Taking in Class. Links to an external site.

Websites Domains

All website domains can be helpful but try and focus on .edu or .org domains For educational videos, filter Google search results so they just provide video results.

Transcript, "Website Domains Links to an external site."