Tutorial 1: Search, Sources, Privacy, and Security

COMP210 · Unit 5

Objectives

Search results are not automatically reliable. Evaluate who produced a source, its evidence, date, purpose, independence, and agreement with other credible sources. Record citations while researching so claims remain traceable.

question -> search terms -> credible sources -> compare evidence
-> record citation -> communicate limitations

Security habits include unique passwords, MFA, updates, backups, cautious links, least privilege, and privacy-aware sharing. Privacy means collecting and sharing only what is needed for a legitimate purpose. Digital citizenship also includes respect, accessibility, attribution, and awareness of unequal impact.

Exercises

  1. Evaluate three sources for the same claim.
  2. Audit sharing permissions on a cloud folder.
  3. Design a backup and account-recovery plan.

Self-check

  1. Why check source date?
  2. What does MFA add?
  3. Why minimize personal data?

Self-Check Quiz

1. Does a high search ranking prove authority?

AnswerNo. Ranking is not evidence of accuracy, independence, or suitability.

2. What does least privilege mean?

AnswerGranting only the access needed for a task and removing unnecessary access.

Homework

  1. Research a topic using and comparing at least four sources.
  2. Produce a privacy and security checklist for your workspace.
  3. Document limitations and possible bias.
Sample answerA strong submission compares author, evidence, date, purpose, and corroboration, then cites sources clearly. The checklist uses MFA, unique passwords, updates, backups, cautious sharing, minimal personal data, and a recovery plan. Limitations identify missing evidence or possible bias.