Practical 3 reflection=)

So, what did I learn from practical 3?

Well, firstly, research strategy. It is a must have before every research. In the past, I use to type in common words, or type in blindly in the Google search engine to look for information. After this practical, I am surprised there is actually a method for researching at its best. I have been doing research for 10 years and after all these years, this method can actually help me in so many ways; faster research, save more time, energy efficient, more search results will pop out the way I want them too because the methods are systematized.

Firstly, I have to have a search query.
A search query is that keyword you use to search for something.
For example, If you want to look up for flamingo,
you search, "guns"

But that alone is not enough. This is because the key words are too common. If I was to do that, I will end up with millions of search results which are irrelevant to flamingo.
That will be a waste of time, wouldn't it?

That is why, we have to come up with the right and effective keywords, as well as keyword variations. Why? This is because a search engine strictly searches for these keywords if you systematically put them in the order that is most effective. That is why, such a thing called Boolean Operators existed=)

After using Google search engine, I find it very interesting. This is because, I never knew the more strategic side of using Google search engine before. With the Boolean Operators, searching in Google is much more effective. Google has its advance feature which can be used to further detail and narrow down my search into more accurate ones. I am beginning to appreciate Google's functions and also beginning to learn more about its features. I feel that it is important for me to fully understand how a search engine works, because it will definitely help me to do my research and come up with better results.

Participating in discussion forums is good because you might never know the little bits of information you can get by talking to others. These information , you can never get in websites because these information are from their own perspectives. Personally, I find it very useful and I do not feel shy or threatened to talk to them because they might have different views from me and it is always good to learn from one another.


Practical 3 has definitely improved my researching skill and I will definitely apply them in the future.=)