This content is located in CAPS under Internet Technologies: Internet and the WWW for Grade 11.

Search engines are a cornerstone of effective online exploration, and teaching students how to use them efficiently is crucial for developing information literacy. In this session, the focus will be on understanding search engines, mastering advanced search techniques, and gaining insights into search engine optimization (SEO). These skills not only align with the CAPS requirements but also equip students with lifelong tools for navigating the digital landscape.

To make the topic engaging and practical for Grade 11 students, you can structure the lesson using real-world scenarios and interactive activities.

Introducing Search Engines

Begin with an everyday scenario: “Imagine you’re planning a holiday to Durban. How would you find the best deals, activities, and travel tips online?” Lead a class discussion about how search engines like Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo can assist. Discuss the basic concept of search engines, their purpose, and examples of popular ones.

Then, introduce keywords and phrases. Ask students to think about the words they would type into a search bar to plan their holiday. Use this exercise to explain the importance of using precise keywords and phrases.

Advanced Search Techniques

CAPS highlights the use of advanced search techniques, which can significantly refine online searches. Use real-life challenges to introduce these methods:

1. Searching by Date/Time: Ask students to find the most recent news on a topic, such as “load-shedding updates in South Africa.” Show them how to use tools like Google’s “Tools” feature to filter results by date.
2. Search Operators: Demonstrate the use of operators like:
   • Quotation marks (“ ”) for exact matches.
   • A minus sign (-) to exclude terms.
   • Site: to search within a specific site (e.g., site:gov.za for government resources).
   • Filetype: to locate specific document types, like filetype:pdf for research papers.

Set a task: Create a “Search Scavenger Hunt” where students use these techniques to find answers to questions like “When did Nelson Mandela become president?” or “What is the capital of Nigeria?”

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Introduce SEO by discussing why some links appear at the top of search results. Use relatable examples, such as why a popular influencer’s blog ranks higher than lesser-known sources. Explain how businesses and individuals optimize their content with keywords, backlinks, and mobile-friendly design to rank higher.

Activity: Ask students to imagine they’re running a small business selling handmade jewellery. They must brainstorm keywords and content ideas to attract visitors to their website. You can gamify this by simulating a competition to create the “most appealing” SEO strategy.

Hands-On Practice

Provide students with a simple assignment:

• Search for information on a historical figure or topic using advanced search techniques.
• Write a brief paragraph summarizing the results and reflect on how the search process improved with advanced techniques.

Encourage peer sharing of strategies and results to foster collaborative learning.

Resources for Under-Resourced Environments

• Use offline examples and printed materials, like screenshots of search interfaces, to teach search techniques.
• Leverage free internet at libraries or community centres for practical exercises.
• Use basic mobile devices to demonstrate and practice search engine usage.

Emphasise the lifelong relevance of these skills and encourage students to apply them outside the classroom.