1. The Explorers Getting Started with Online Research
Information Technology for the Public Sector
October 5, 2006
Ken Johnson, Sarah McInerney,
Kyle Sapkiewicz, and Lisa Bassilios

2. Agenda Quick Overview of Chapter Case Study Introduction to Debates
Group Research
Debates
Conclusions and Take-Aways

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Research
Online Research can be more useful, with more current information than research from books alone
Web has easier access
Scan multiple sources quickly as well as multimedia sources
Reliability issues of online sources
Bias and lies online
Inconsistencies

4. Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Primary Source: A person who provides information based on direct knowledge or experience
Secondary Source: A person providing information without direct knowledge of or experience with the topic
Helps in assessing the authenticity of sources

5. Tips for Online Research
Assess primary data
Look at photographs and film clips
Consult the dictionary
Consider multimedia resources to form your own opinion based on more than printed words
Google searches, site searches, and page searches
Connect and link sources/relate gathered material

6. Case Study Research Questions:
What legal rights to privacy do Internet users hold?
In what regards have privacy rights been curtailed since 9/11?
The Investigative Process
Generalized search narrow and highly reputable data
Act like a detective following leads
Use various sources: (e.g. CRS, ACLU, and Academic Source)
Ask questions during process to define meaning
Bookmark and revisit Webpages

7. Case Study

8. Case Study
Findings:
Many of the privacy acts prior to 2001 safeguarded public against government but not commercial misuse
There is no universal cross-sector public policy for privacy protection
Constitution only protects citizens from government evasion
Patriot Act allows government to investigate citizens for any websites visited
FTC encourages posting of privacy statements. Firms are obligated to follow their internal policies. Voluntary system
80 percent of Windows operated home computers have been infected with viruses

9. Let’s Test it Out! Debate Teams – 4 Groups, 2 pro 2 con
Ground Rules for Debate:
1. Must cite source for points and counterpoints (e.g. “according to………”)
2. Sources must be credible and NO BLOGS!!
3. Anyone can talk, but please keep it civil and do not interrupt your fellow classmates while they are speaking. Be civil, but don’t hold back!
4. Once time has elapsed for researching topic, no further researching is allowed

10. Let’s Test it Out! Two Topics
Right to Privacy: Do citizens have a right to expect pre-9/11 privacy rights in a post-9/11 world?
E-Democracy: Does E-Democracy promote or restrain democracy?
Think about your argument and what sites would support your point
Credible “endorsers” of your points
Be careful of false or misleading sites

11. Concluding Comments
What did you learn? How can online research hurt you if not used correctly?
How has online research affected controversial issues/topics?
Loads of Information at your fingertips….Could you have gone to the library and gathered this much info to support your argument?