Preparation

All you need for preparation is a PC and an Internet connection. Alternatively, this exercise can also take place on a tablet or smartphone.

The exercise sheets serve as additional support and stimulation.

Method / Process description

Basically the exercise consists of several parts:

1. Overview of the different search engines
2. Test of the individual search engines and individual evaluation
3. Exchange of observations and discussion

I. Overview of the different search engines

The participants get to know other search engines. This can be done via the worksheet or via a presentation by the lecturer.

Optionally, a discussion on the topic of data protection and monopoly position of individual companies can already take place here.

II. test of the individual search engines and individual evaluation

The participants get the task to test and evaluate all search engines once.

This test should at least be carried out with two different search terms:

• Search for a daily event
• Search for information from a specific field of knowledge or interest  
• Search for an individual theme from the hobby and leisure sector

III. exchange of observations and discussion

The participants should first draw their own conclusions from their observations and then share them with the group.

• Are there other search engines besides Google that provide useful results?
• Are there search engines that are more suitable for certain search queries than others?
• Have I found other results via other search engines?
• What conclusions do I draw from my observations? Will I use other search engines in the future?

Here, too, a discussion of Google's market power is worthwhile. Likewise, the problem of "filter bubbles" can already be addressed here - which will be discussed in greater depth at a later date.

Download material

• Worksheet "Search Engines Overview"
• Worksheet "Search Engines Comparison Worksheet"

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_search_engines