Beyond Googling: Applying Google Tools to Inquiry-Based Learning

Teachers everywhere are rolling their eyes at the number of times they hear their students reference Google as their source of information.  What many students fail to understand is that Google isn’t necessarily the basis of information, but rather, the guide on where to obtain the necessary information.  Although this is clearly understood after a rather brief explanation, there is informational applications and programs created by Google that the average person may overlook or fail to realize even exists.  This article touches briefly on each feature that Google offers with a transitory description of what it entails.

a.      Google for Information: Using it more than just a quick “type in the blank line” search, consider using the advanced search option or using additional tips and tricks to help clarify and/or purify the search.

Ex: Typing in something such as “mac –cosmetics” into the search bar helps one’s research so that the information that is found will eliminate anything associated with the cosmetic brand company.

(There are many more tips and tricks that can be found—and I would recommend personally YouTubing them and seeing an example from a professional).

b.      Google News: “Provides recently posted information” (3) and allows for specific date searches.

c.       Google Books: Previews and provides a wide variety of actual books pages and full book copies electronically.

d.      Google Scholar: Similar to EBSCO Host, Google Scholar allows one to search for information from peer-reviewed journals, and other scholarly works.

e.      Google Patent Search: “…Provides patents on inventions with both drawings and descriptions” (3).

f.        Google Images: Photo library available through Google Search, but derived from other websites.

g.      Google Video: In addition to YouTube videos, Google Video provides other clips on various websites on the web.

h.      Google Maps: Not only can one map where he or she is and where he or she might be going, but photos, slideshows, and other information can be uploaded from users.

i.         Google Earth: An actual 3D visual of the world, as well as building and sharing of 3D models.

j.         Google Chrome: Web browser that makes all of the tools Google provides users easier to navigate and practice.

k.       iGoogle: Calculators, gadgets for vocabulary, blog feeds, local news, etc. (5).

l.         Google Reader, Calendar, Mail, Talk: Collaborative tools for communication and organization.

m.    Google Docs: Word processing programs available that can be accessed by multiple users at one time.

n.      Google Picasa: A place where “students can save and organize digital images including photographs, drawings, and diagrams…[that] can be published individually or in slideshows” (5).

o.      Google Groups: Discussion-based location to encourage collaboration on various topics and ideas.

p.      Google Blogger: A place where one can create, read, edit, and share his or her work professionally and personally.

q.      Google Knol: A place “students can access and create simple web pages to share their work.  The collaborative environment allows developers to request feedback and ratings from others” (6).

r.        Google Trends, Finance, Health, and Labs: A place where one can access popular topics and tools in various places.

s.       Google Educators: “provides support for educators using Google in the classroom including news, information, tutorials, and lots of teaching ideas” (6).

 

Lamb, A., & Johnson, L. (2010). Beyond Googling: Applying Google Tools to Inquiry-based Learning. Teacher Librarian, 37(4), 83-86.