Diving into Digital Research: A Lesson in Filters, Focus, and Flexibility

For my first assignment in my Digital Learning Environments course, we were asked to perform a digital search on a term related to the course. I chose cognitive learning theory—a topic that shows up in a later module and immediately stood out to me as the most engaging. It explores how we process information, store knowledge, and apply learning—all of which are central to both effective teaching and the design of digital learning tools.

I began my search using the campus library’s online system, which returned an overwhelming 144,556 results. Hoping for a more manageable number, I tried the ERIC database (15,508 results) and then Google Scholar, which gave me a staggering 4.52 million results. It quickly became clear that refining a search is just as important as starting one.

By experimenting with filters, I discovered how dramatically I could narrow the results. Selecting “full text,” switching to natural language, and adding keywords helped cut through the noise. In my case, I added terms like “education” and “technology in the classroom” to better target my interests within the broader topic of cognitive learning theory.

One of the most valuable takeaways from this process was learning how to extend a search. Exploring the references cited in promising articles not only led me to more focused material but also helped me trace how certain ideas evolved across studies. I also realized that borrowing useful terminology from article abstracts or titles could help refine future searches.

As digital tools become more common in research, I’m also considering the use of AI-powered search engines. These tools can speed things up and offer suggestions I might not have thought of—but like any source, their credibility needs to be evaluated. In a course centered around digital learning environments, using AI feels especially relevant, but I know that convenience can’t replace critical thinking.

Ultimately, this assignment reinforced that research is an active process. It’s not just about finding answers—it's about developing smarter strategies, staying curious, and being willing to adjust your path as you go. I’m excited to keep building those skills throughout this course.

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