Journal 1

"Your Google Guide", by Doug Johnson

OK so lets face it- we all use Google. We use it to find a restaurant, to get an address, to get help on school work... we use it for everything! In the article Your Google Guide, Doug Johnson addresses the issue of the correct way to actually use Google. Johnson begins with the correct way to find what your looking for on Google. He explains that it really is necessary to have at least some wort of background knowledge on the subject in which you are searching for in order to actually find the results you want. Next, Johnson addresses proper technique for searching for a subject with multiple terms. He advises using a search with multiple terms as a question to get more specific results. Johnson also gives the reader insight of how to interpret the results you get. Using the "advanced search" option might weed out irrelevant results. Another topic that Johnson addresses that I found to be really interesting, was how the PageRank works. I think it is important to note that at the top of your search results are actually sponsored sites that pay to be there and may not be a good source. I also wasn't aware that there are search tips and a Google librarian Central newsletter available on Google to help when you are in doubt. To end the article, Johnson explains that to become a proficient searcher, all you need to do is practice!

Questions:
1.) How could I as a new teacher introduce the concept of Google to my younger students?
Today's students are very computer savvy at a very early age. Teachers, even in the lower grades, could set up many activities centered around search engines such as Google. For example, teachers could have an Internet treasure hunt using Google to get students learning how to use Google.
2.) How could I explain to students what a relevant source is?
I think doing a few searches together in class and discussing what things come up from a search would be a good idea. Once kids get a chance to have some hands on searches for themselves, I think they will understand first hand hat more to look for.