DIALOG - Command Search

(Competency: Module 8 DIALOG)

DIALOG- ERIC database
From reading people’s responses and reactions, I was a bit intimidated about logging onto DIALOG. The warnings of “don’t forget to logoff” begin to ring in my head leading me to think that I MUST create a script and understand DIALOG before logging in and running the cost up. Not knowing what to expect was helping me delay this mini-assignment. I had to read through the PPTs a couple a times before actually deciding to enter DIALOG for the first time.
I had to log in once before actually creating and entering my script. A few minutes on DIALOG made the difference in the world. I was ready to experiment with my script and see what the outcome would be.
My topic was originally on “the use of instant messaging or chat to provide a virtual reference to the public”. I constructed a script highlighting the terms to include in SS, but retrieved zero results in both ERIC and LIS. I was surprised with the recall being zero.
Instead, I constructed a script based on another topic: “library online tutorials for adults”
Commands:
1. B1
2. SS reference service or online tutorials or library instruction
3. SS librar?
4. SS distance education or adult education
5. SS# and SS# and SS#
6. Total results and cost

Below is a screenshot of my DS and number of items retrieved for each set.

Figure1: Display Sets – ERIC database


Sifting through the first 10 results, I found two possible candidates. However, I was not pleased with the other articles listed in the top 10. The script retrieved poor results. This may be due to my word choice and organization within the sets.


4. 9/8/4 DIALOG(R)File 1:(c) format only 2009 Dialog. All rts. reserv. 011938680 ERIC Number: ED503305
Education for a Digital World: Advice, Guidelines, and Effective Practice from around the Globe
2008 (20080000)
Descriptors: Educational Strategies; Learning Problems; Instructional Design; Management Systems; Copyrights; Media Selection; Online Courses; Quality Control; Program Effectiveness; Articulation (Education); Educational Technology; Computer Uses in Education; Developing Nations; Foreign Countries; Access to Education; Computer Software; Educational Planning; Student Evaluation; Teaching Methods; Educational Games; Teacher Effectiveness; Teacher Evaluation; Student Participation; Adult Education; Cooperative Learning

Identifiers: Ghana
Dialog Update Date: 20090921; 04:57:02 EST
ERIC (Dialog® File 1): (c) format only 2009 Dialog. All rights reserved.

9. 9/8/9 DIALOG(R)File 1:(c) format only 2009 Dialog. All rts. reserv. 0011692183 ERIC Number: ED501561
Online Education for Lifelong Learning
2007 (20070000)
Descriptors: Lifelong Learning; Distance Education; Second Language Instruction; Constructivism (Learning); Higher Education; Self Management; Early Childhood Education; Foreign Countries; School Community Relationship; Professional Development; Case Studies; Libraries; Adult Students; Instructional Effectiveness; Online Courses; Learning Theories; Computer Mediated Communication; Educational Change; Teacher Competencies

Identifiers: Turkey; Micronesia
Dialog Update Date: 20090921; 04:57:02 EST
ERIC (Dialog® File 1): (c) format only 2009 Dialog. All rights reserved.


Upon logging off DIALOG, the breakdown of my cost for using DIALOG was displayed:

Figure 2: Cost for command search-ERIC database