Internet Searches, Database Searches, CD-ROMs - this is the place to learn it all! You'll never approach research in quite the same way.
WELCOME TO
ELECTRONIC INFORMATION RETRIEVAL
Mass Communications 4903
Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas
To find out what we thought of this class, click on our names:
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Hello, my name is Jennifer Anglin and I am a Mass Communications Student at Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas. Until I enrolled in the electronic information retrieval class offered by the
mass communications department I had no idea how many resources are available through my university. I encourage anyone who isn't aware of these resources to learn.So far, I have learned how to search online catalogs all over the world, how to use the online databases offered by TWU, and how to subscribe to lists that provide me with informational e-mails about my field of study. I've also learned how to improve my searches on the web by drastically reducing the number of hits I receive. Before this class, I didn't know how to begin. Now I know how to effectively use the computer as a tool for my search.
Thanks for your time, Jennifer Anglin Mass Communications Student
(u_anglin@twu.edu)
Hey, y’all! My name is Vicky Archer. I am a freshman Mass Communications major and plan to get my Masters in Library Science. I took this class because I wanted to learn more about computers. I have been around computers all my life, and had a basic understanding of them, but I never learned much in great detail. I had enough knowledge to type papers, check my email and play games. Now, I know much more!
This class is really beneficial for anyone who needs information of any type, which in the upcoming century, would be everyone. I learned how to actually search the Internet (before, I could only surf). The most important aspect of searching is learning how to refine your search to reduce the number of hits you receive. This is a skill used daily for this class.
I already knew what databases are but now I understand how they might be useful to me. I know how to check my email from any computer via Telnet. I also know how to use the email system to reply or forward or anything else I want to do with it, which is good since that’s how we had to turn in some of our assignments.
This class is very helpful since it doesn’t just teach theory. Students get a chance to actually practice and apply what they have learned. Most importantly, however, if I forget how to do anything I have learned, I know how to check the help files and teach myself! That is probably the most important skill I learned in this class. I recommend this class to everyone.
Greetings from Texas Woman's University in Denton! My name is Tanya Brazil, and I am a mass communications major and the managing editor of our university's student publication,
The Lasso, for spring 1999.As an aspiring newspaper reporter, Joanne Twining's Electronic Information Retrieval course has been beneficial to me in many ways. Although I have had previous experience on the Internet prior to this class, generally my methods involved surfing rather than searching.
Through this class I have learned how to perform advanced searches using Boolean expressions, proximity operators, and truncation, and also learned to utilize databases for the first time. An extremely effective research technique, databases are resources that I will use once I am working for a professional newspaper and when I eventually go on to graduate school.
Forums, bulletin boards, listservs, and newsgroups are other useful means of retrieving information. By accessing these areas, many of which are subject-specific, information can be acquired from other individuals. These secondary sources may furnish answers to your inquiries or point you in the right direction.
Other journalism students may want to browse the
AJR (American Journalism Review) Newslink. This site is extremely helpful for those looking for jobs or internships. Although the listings for internships are scanty, newspapers are categorized by state whereby students can get an idea of the publications in their area. AJR's JobLink's Quick Search is outstanding. Job listings are plentiful and the search engine allows journalists to narrow their search according to what type of job they are seeking. Because I believe that computer literacy had become indispensable for anyone seeking professional employment, I would encourage all university students to take a course in electronic information retrieval.U_BRAZIL@TWU.EDU
Hi, my name is Susan Corby. I'm a returning student after an absence of 18 years. I have done a lot of "surfing the web" and felt very comfortable with my use of the Internet. I took this course to see what else I could learn – boy was I surprised! After taking this course, I no longer find myself wasting valuable time hunting for pieces of information to complete a paper. I've learned to narrow my searches effectively through the use of Boolean operators and other techniques so that the information I need appears in a short list of hits, rather than a monstrous list of hits that in general was nothing to do with what I was looking for.
I've learned about databases – what they are, and more importantly, where to find them and how to utilize them. I've learned that our library (and staff!) is a much more valuable source of information than I had ever thought possible. I've learned there is a large collection of CD-ROMS available in the library.
This has been a really valuable class for me, I'd encourage anyone who is entering college now or expects to work in just about any field, to take this course. The format was fun and informative.
I have a short story, "Under the Weather," published in the first issue of
Sapphire Magazine.U_CORBY@twu.edu
I appeal to the return or non-traditional students first, because I am one of you. When I went to school there were no computers in the classrooms. We didn't even use calculators to do math. N0...MY HOMETOWN IS NOT BEDROCK!!!
To say I was intimidated by the prospect of sitting down in front a computer is an understatement. I was terrified. My advice to any student, traditional or non-traditional that does not have computer skills is first to take a basic intro. computer course and then take Electronic Information Retrieval. You will consider it some of the best information you can learn and it will make your life as a student so much easier and stress free.
My fear paralyzed me and I ran the other way every chance I got to avoid a computer. My GPA is somewhere around 3.7 but it could have been higher or I could have spent many less sleepless nights dedicated to homework had I been willing to confront my fear of computers and learn to use them to my advantage.
For example I received a "B" instead of an "A" in an
DON'T HESITATE, JUST TAKE IT!!!
Dianna Goodnight
HELLO
During my semester in this class I have learned a great deal. Believe me, I’m not one for difficult classes, but I can honestly say that this course was challenging and fun.
Did you know you could access any library in the world from any computer at TWU? How about using a search engine? Or what is the difference between a Boolean search and a natural language search?
No…Yes…Well, it’s simple. Log on and take advantage of the electronic retrieval class, MCOM 4903. You pay for this access anyway in your student fees, so why not learn to use them.
If you don't believe me test yourself at
http://www.nettest.mci.com.Do yourself a favor and enroll in this class as soon as you get to TWU. I guarantee what you learn in this class will benefit you from now on.
Stephanie Jordan, Mass Communications Student
Information retrieval is a class that every Freshman and transfer student should be required to take their first year at TWU. I took the class as a Senior, and feel cheated that I didn’t know about the class before now. Regardless of your major, this class can teach you how to use all of the online information resources available to you here at TWU and all over the world.
The class was completely paperless, and assignments were turned in by utilizing the class forum.
I learned how to use the tools in search engines and to be very specific, specific enough to find the exact information I need in a short amount of time.
If I had taken this class when I first came to TWU, I would have saved myself a lot of frustration while doing research for classes.
I highly recommend this class to all students interested in making their lives as students easier and in increasing their tools for future careers.
Leah Key, Mass Communications
Hello! Welcome to the endless world of information retrieval!
My name is Carrie Linberg, and you are about to enter the information zone….
If you are an information vacuum, or someone who has never been face to face with the Internet, then this is where you should be. The Internet is one of the most valuable resources an individual can have in his/her life. Answers to almost any question you can think of are out there. However, the question is, how do you fish through a sea of boundless information to find the one little answer you want? That's easy! Through educating oneself, the possibilities are endless!
Through the Information Retrieval course, I learned how to manipulate any search engine to produce the results I was looking for. With characters and Boolean operators, I became quite versed in the way of the Internet world. I feel confident that I have the power to obtain the answer to any question I might have.
Before this class began, I was familiar with the Internet, but certainly not an expert. Although this course did not make me an expert, it did evolve my knowledge to a higher understanding of the Worldwide Web. If I had been able to take this course during my freshman year in college, I would have saved myself allot of heartache and stress. In college, as in high school, the number of research papers and essays is unbelievable. If I had had a better grasp of what was available to me on the Internet back then, I would have had a much easier time writing those papers!
I am a senior at
Texas Woman’s University studying Public Relations. I know for a fact that this class will pay off when I actually begin my career because I will be one of the few who can access the Internet and obtain whatever valuable information or resources I need.As a young single mother, I was interested in finding out more information about the "single parent" lifestyle. I was hoping to find support groups and valuable resource pages—and I did! The information I have acquired throughout the semester will help me to lead my life in a more positive direction—and my son’s life.
I strongly recommend this course to any student who wants to be versed in the Internet and become more familiar with the technology of the future. The year 2000 is approaching fast, and unless you become familiar and comfortable with today’s technology, you will be lost in the information traffic of the next millennium.
For Questions or Comments, Feel Free to e-mail Me at
clinberg@yahoo.comHave Fun, and God Bless!
Hi, my name is Karen Llewellyn. I am a senior community health major who thought she knew everything there was about information retrieval. I realized that I didn't know as much as I thought. I searched for financial aid because I had used all the funds available to me through the school. I found that you have to be narrow and define your search or you will get lots of "hits." By putting in "student aid," was different than putting in "financial aid." I learned there was so many ways to search for information. If you think that you know everything about searching, think again. Can you take this test
http://www.nettest.mci.com and pass it? If not then you need to take this class the next time it is offered.Please visit my personal homepage at:
http://www.geocities.com/eureka/enterprises/3699Karen Llewellyn
Hello!!! I hope your ready to expand your mind!!! The information retrieval class is for anyone wanting to get into the nitty gritty of the Internet. The Internet will open a world of information for you. Just think it is readily available at your fingertips once you learn how to look for what you want. This class will equip you with what you need to retrieve any information you could possibly need. If you don't know what http means then this class is for you. You will be amazed at what you will learn in MCOM 4903!!!!! SHANNA R. SIKKES
Hi!
I'm a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Library and Information Studies, and a 1994 graduate of the Department of Mass Com here at TWU.
I took this class, myself, back in 1994. It changed my life forever, just as I suspect it has changed these students' lives…in ways they have yet to realize.
Information literacy is a powerful tool. It opens the door to knowledge, possibility, choice, and freedom. For women, these doors have been closed too long.
The REAL value of information literacy is in the sharing. I know that Jennifer, Leah, Shanna, Karen, Susan, Stephanie, Vicky, Tanya, Dianna, and Carrie will share their new-found wealth (as they have done here) with all those who will come to know.
…to you, my sisters, I wish good strength and gentle understanding as you continue your journey. You are indeed "Pioneer Women." I am honored to be your teacher and will forever treasure the lessons you taught me this semester.
To find out more about MC4903 Electronic Information Retrieval, visit our class website at
http://www.intertwining.org/MCom4903Visit