Saturday, June 28, 2014

More than just a search engine...GOOGLE!

Did you know you can use the Google search box as a calculator?  Did you know you can find restaurants near you using the Google search box?  Did you know you can narrow a Google search down to a specific reading level?  If you answered "no" to any of those questions, then today's post will be a jackpot of knowledge for you.

For my Connected Educator class, we looked at many different ways to use the Google search box.  I must admit, I usually have pretty good luck finding what I want on Google, but now I will be able to maximize my searching capabilities!  For example, let's say you are doing a online research activity with your class.  As you are previewing the sites which you want your students to use (which I KNOW all of my teacher friends do this) follow the easy tips in this video to find sites at a Basic reading level:


Now that you know how to look for sites on a specific reading level, you can also look for sites that have a specific file type.  Let's say you are getting ready to introduce a unit on tornadoes, but you don't have the time to create a PowerPoint.  Watch this video to see how easy it is to find a PowerPoint presentation already made:

   

There are endless possibilities on how to more effectively use the Google search box.  The following are just a few links to more great resources:


We also looked at 2 other tools this week.  1 of them is called Wolfram/Alpha.  It can calculate almost anything, as well as find most any type of numerical data you are looking for along with find interesting facts about everything from how many calories are in my meal to why the sky is blue. 

Another tool we looked at is called Creative Commons. Using Creative Commons allows you to search for images, music, and other materials that are copyright safe and free to use in your classroom.  

Take a peek to learn more about Wolfram/Alpha and Creative Commons!

Happy Searching!
Tauer

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