Journal 1

"Your Google Guide" by Doug Johnson

In this article, Doug Johnson argues the importance of utilizing the Google web engine as a classroom tool. The author, in fact, believes that Google is so important that the advanced search page of this site should be the home page on every computer in our schools. While this is quite a large task to take on, it is not impossible, or even unreasonable to wish for our schools and children.

Google has many useful tools to offer not only adults, but children as well. Johnson argues the only thing holding more people back from using Google and using it more effectively is the lack of knowledge on the part of Internet users. Johnson argues that while users may have an idea of what they are looking for, that they do not know what they are looking for-the specifics of their search. For example, is a student looking for Christopher Columbus the explorer or the science teacher at San Marcos High School? He also explains that multiple terms, effective operators (“ “ and -), and the difference between sponsored links and non-sponsored search results are all ways that can help students to better understand their search goals and results.

I myself prefer the school search engines that mull through the library catalog and article databases. However, when using a for-profit organization, I have found Google to be helpful. I do agree with the author that the Google Advanced Search page as the homepage, only if the school does not have it’s own search engine.

1) How can I better utilize a tool like Google in my own classroom?
I could better utilize tools like Google by asking for the librarian for a crash course in Internet search engines. Knowing shortcuts and how to better request topic information, I can in turn teach my students.
2) How could this tool be used to help English learners?
Students could use this tool to find reliable sources to translate between languages and to find fun classroom activities for English language learners.