In the age of digital journalism, developing advanced online search skills is crucial to professional success. They can open vast worlds of relevant data and information that can make reporters both more efficient and more knowledgeable.

There are many search engines to choose from and all have different ways of prioritizing search results. Google is one of the leaders in this area, and provides a variety of tools that can be helpful for instructors teaching students advanced techniques, or just the basics.

Below are five advanced lessons on search techniques, including best practices for academic research and using Google Scholar. These materials are also handy for journalists wanting to improve their Internet skills. The lessons are all in PDF format and can also be found on Google’s Search Education page.

1. Picking the right search terms
2. Understanding search results
3. Narrowing a search to get the best results
4. Searching for evidence for research tasks (Google Scholar)
5. Evaluating credibility of sources

Here is a 40-minute overview video with Google search expert Dan Russell:

For more training materials relating to research and scholarship, see Journalist’s Resource’s library of related articles and tip sheets; this area also includes conversations with professionals about best practices.

Tags: training