“Your Google Guide” by Doug Johnson
I like the way the author structured the article. He first put the reader at ease by building common bond in which most people on the internet use Google but don’t use it to the extent that they could. He then tutors the user in building more successful searches by building better searches through; forming a clearer version of what you are searching for, using additional search words and operators to improve your chance of success by narrowing your search and using operators to reduce unwanted matches. He presents in a way that allows users who might be timid with technology or Web 2.0 tools to actually learn to make complex, successful searches in a non-threatening way. He also instructs them where to find additional information to build on their new knowledge. He then builds on this initiation deeper into Google by introducing them to advanced searches, page ranking, sponsored vs. non-sponsored links and specialized search tools. He closes with directing the reader to Google’s tips and Librarian Central Newsletter. The author allows for less technical users that can implement so of his early suggestions and still improve their ability to use Google, while still providing more technical training and improvements for readers that are the technical specialists for their school.
1. How can the author’s suggestions be used in my classroom? By using the suggestions on building the search and building searches using more search words including operators, I will be teaching my students to consider the research in the form of a question and to think about what they are really looking for before sitting down to do their research. This more focused way of teaching and researching would spread to their work away from Google.
2. What other specialized tools does Google have for students? In the article the author cites Image Search, Scholar, Book Search and Maps as useful tools for students. Additional tools that would be useful in the classroom would be Google Earth which is an expansion on the Maps tool that contains a tremendous amount of features and application with a wide range of maps including; space, Mars, the oceans, street views and historical maps. The application does need to be installed though. There is also Gmail the Google email and blogging tools
I like the way the author structured the article. He first put the reader at ease by building common bond in which most people on the internet use Google but don’t use it to the extent that they could. He then tutors the user in building more successful searches by building better searches through; forming a clearer version of what you are searching for, using additional search words and operators to improve your chance of success by narrowing your search and using operators to reduce unwanted matches. He presents in a way that allows users who might be timid with technology or Web 2.0 tools to actually learn to make complex, successful searches in a non-threatening way. He also instructs them where to find additional information to build on their new knowledge. He then builds on this initiation deeper into Google by introducing them to advanced searches, page ranking, sponsored vs. non-sponsored links and specialized search tools. He closes with directing the reader to Google’s tips and Librarian Central Newsletter. The author allows for less technical users that can implement so of his early suggestions and still improve their ability to use Google, while still providing more technical training and improvements for readers that are the technical specialists for their school.
1. How can the author’s suggestions be used in my classroom? By using the suggestions on building the search and building searches using more search words including operators, I will be teaching my students to consider the research in the form of a question and to think about what they are really looking for before sitting down to do their research. This more focused way of teaching and researching would spread to their work away from Google.
2. What other specialized tools does Google have for students? In the article the author cites Image Search, Scholar, Book Search and Maps as useful tools for students. Additional tools that would be useful in the classroom would be Google Earth which is an expansion on the Maps tool that contains a tremendous amount of features and application with a wide range of maps including; space, Mars, the oceans, street views and historical maps. The application does need to be installed though. There is also Gmail the Google email and blogging tools
I like your questions. You connect the reading to teaching and learning.
ReplyDeleteR-J