Learning the Internet

Learning the internet is not intimidating if you know some simple techniques. This section covers those techniques.

The Internet is a vast, useful resource. There are ways to get what you need simply and quickly. The following method with help you avoid information overload, blind alleys, and getting wrapped around the axle.

When learning the internet use search engines to locate useful information by selecting descriptive words and phrases. For example, to investigate a home project like building a wood patio in the backyard, use search words and phrases like: patio, backyard patio or patio deck.

More descriptive phrases improve results. You could use: Wood patio decks, or building a wood patio. Consciously using descriptive words helps when learning the internet.

Search engines frequently show thousands of results (hits) for topics searched. This can be overwhelming. However, you will use your time effectively if you take a systematic approach to investigating information.

The first and second pages of search results will provide you with the most useful web addresses for the search words used.Search engines sort information by relevance to a subject by using a proprietary algorithm.

Note: An algorithm is a procedure used for solving a problem.

You are prioritizing using the Pareto Principle concept. Although in this case you are only looking at a handful of the most relevant items rather than the top 20 percent.

Double click on the web addresses that have the most useful looking information associated with them. Read the first paragraph or two of information on the website.

If the information is helpful and easy to understand, read further. If not, hit the back key to get to the search results. Then, double click on another interesting looking web site that was brought up by your search.

Continue the process of reviewing the interesting looking websites. When useful information repeats itself two or three times take note. It is a sign you’ve located a source of important information for your investigation.

Bookmark the pages on the websites that have useful information so you can go back later if needed. Or, print out a copy, if that is your style.

Some information will identify other sources on the subject. If you need more information, these are good places to research next.

How deep you investigate a subject is up to you. It is a matter of interest, need, motivation and time.

Learning the Internet Bookstores

If web searching doesn’t provide enough information for your investigation, consider purchasing a book or two on the subject.

For any subject there are several ways to locate good books. You can find references to books from websites, magazines and other books on the subject. Also, search for books in the Internet book stores—sometimes called virtual bookstores.

Amazon.com® and Barnesandnoble.com® are two good internet bookstores with descriptive rating systems as follows. These rating systems have four metrics (measurement of usefulness) that are helpful. They are:

A star rating system

The number of stars tells how customers rate a book. There are usually five stars available (or dots) from these websites. Zero to two star means customers didn’t like the book. Four to five stars means customers thought the book was excellent.

Look for books that average at least four stars. This indicates the book met the needs of most people who read it.

The number of reviews

The more reviews the better. Reviews are written by people who feel strongly about a book, either positively or negatively. A lot of reviews indicate a book that provided helpful or stimulating information to others.

Amazon.com® has the number of people who found the review helpful at the top of each evaluation. Reading these reviews first will save you time.

Sales rank

Review the book’s sales rank provided by Amazon.com® and/or Barnesandnoble.com®. This tells how well the book has sold in comparison to all of their books. Compare the sales rank number to other same subject books. More books sold indicate a popular and helpful book.

Book excerpts

Read book excerpts if they are available. If you find that the excerpts have useful and easy to understand information, then the book is a good choice. If not, look for other books on the subject.

This rating system method is a simple comparison study. It will help you determine which book(s) will give you the best information for your time invested.

Sometimes web search provides enough information about a book to purchase it from the web. Or, you may want to study the book more before deciding to purchase it. Bookstores and libraries are good resources to use next.

To investigate a book further, print out a copy of the book’s description from the web bookstore, or write the name of the book on a sheet of paper. Take this information to a bookstore or library for further investigation.

Learning the internet takes some time, patience and focus. The Just in Time Learning technique can assist as well as some of the other skills that are supplied in Accelerated Learning.

For more techniques see: The Re-Discovery of Common Sense.

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