ICM CBQ Award in Internet Use

LO1 Understand search engines

Examples of search engines: Google, Bing, Yahoo, duckduckgo, Baidu, Yandex, Ask.com, AOL Search.

Search engine optimisation (SEO)

• On-page SEO: keyword research, content optimisation, URL structure, internal linking, image optimisation
• Off-page SEO: link building, social media engagement, online reviews and citations
• Technical SEO: website structure and navigation, page speed optimisation, mobile friendliness
• Content strategy: quality and relevance, long from content
• Monitoring and analysis
• Ongoing process

Order of results provided by a search engine: relevance, quality of content, authority of content, backlink profile, user engagement metrics, freshness and recency of content, page performance, personalisation, localisation, algorithm, and payments.

How to be sure a website is legitimate: check URL, look for HTTPS encryption, verify contact information, about us page, check for trust seals and certifications, read feedback, evaluate design and content, check for suspicious practices, website verification tools, trust instincts, check social media profile.

LO2 Be able to effectively use a search engine

Using special characters to search for specific content with a search engine: quotation marks, plus sign, minus sign, asterisk, tilde, colon, ampersand, hashtag.

Identifying the data a search engine displays when searching for self: social media pages, full name, news articles.

Verifying the reliability of a source:

• Check sources: authoritative websites, domain authority, about us pages
• Cross-reference multiple sources: fact-checking websites, corroborate information
• Evaluate content: date and currency, bias and objectivity, supporting evidence
• Consult experts
• Critical thinking: question assumptions, verify images and videos
• Consider contents
• Check for satire
• Seek peer reviews
• Trust instincts

Finding an image using a search engine: search engines that allow for search of images, copyright, saving an image, downloading an image.

Activating safe search options: vary by search engine, access setÝngs, change setÝngs, and content safe search effects.

LO3 Understand how to purchase or acquire goods or services securely

Payment methods effective online: credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, pay-by-phone, cash on delivery.

Process of setÝng up two factor authentication:

• Log into account where
• Find security setÝngs
• Locate two factor authentication setÝngs
• Choose the type of two factor authentication
  
  • Authenticator application
  • Text message verification
  • Email verification
  • Hardware token
• Follow instructions to set up
• Verify the process was successful
• Save backup codes

Circumstances in which an individual can be asked to complete an online form: to purchase something, for a transaction, register for an account, sign up for a service or subscription, submit an inquiry or request, apply for a job or position, conduct a survey, collect data, request information, download resources, verify identification or compliance.

LO4 Be able to purchase or acquire goods or services securely

Providing all information in the correct format: types of questions, types of data, types of answer boxes, date formats, required and unrequired questions, finding required data, terms and conditions.

Submitting an online form: submission buttons, save response.

Uploading a document: secure platforms, check website security, verify recipient, can for malware, encrypt sensitive information, read terms of service.

Making a payment online: safely make a payment, types of payments, bank security checks

Creating an account online: creating a password, creating a username, providing correct details, terms and conditions, subscriptions, and notifications.

‍Comparing prices for a product or service: set a budget, compare prices, read reviews, look for discounts, consider additional costs, factor in values, and time the purchase.