Google Tools in the Classroom

Just about any time I am on the computer, I use Google for something. And after hearing from Jeff Sisk, assistive technology services specialist for FCPS, I might use it even more, for searching, researching, calculating, and communicating.

Searching
Knowing the Boolean system upon which Google is based, I thought I was pretty efficient in my searching. But Jeff shared some helpful searches I didn't know about. First, you can search by file type. So for example, if you're searching for an animation to illustrate a process, you would be well served to use the Advanced Search page to look for Shockwave Flash (.swf) files. Ever been frustrated that the WBAIS Web page doesn't have a search function (don't worry, that is fixed in the new site)? Well, Google comes to the rescue: You can use the Advanced Search page to look within a specific Web site.

Researching
I finally have taught my students how to search for a phrase instead of a word so they get better research results. But with Advanced Search, you can search for these phrases in the title or URL of a page, which means the results are more likely to focus on the keywords. But we all know the credibility problems with Web sites, so that's why there is Google Books and Google Scholar (Schoogle). The former can be searched by full-text only to ensure useable results, and the latter can be search for scholarly journal articles for more informative results (Just beware that Schoogle also searches ERIC, whose citations will come up as "full text").

Calculating
That simple little text box on the Google page is more than a search engine; it's like an accessories package all rolled into one. Did you know that with some simple commands it can be used as a calculator, a dictionary, a spell checker, a weatherman, or a unit or currency converter? Check out this page to see all the features Google offers with just a few keystrokes.

Communicating
Google Labs is always introducing useful products for users, such Picasa, Gmail, and even this site Blogger. Some other great tools include Google Notebook, which allows your bookmarks to be portable much like with del.icio.us, and Google Sites, which allows you create Web sites that can act as wikis similar to Wikispaces and Wetpaint.

Google says its focus is on "rapid and continuous innovation," which can make it a one-stop surfing site for users. If you aren't ready to go traveling throughout the World Wide Web just yet, Google is by far the best place to visit for your first whirlwind tour.