Journal Entry #1

Your Google Guide

This article was interesting, in my opinion, because there are many aspects of Google which I take for granted. Most of my own personal use is limited to the basic functions of the search engine. However, there are so many other features that can be used to aide in effective searches on the Internet. In the past, I have just used Google to search for answers or information about simple and easy topics. However now that I am enrolled back in school, I will be using the search engine for research.

The article was a good reminder of what Google can do and how I can use Google to my best advantage. By using some of the mentioned techniques in the article, such as; quotations, Advanced Google, Images, etc. I will better be able to use the Search Engine to it's potential. As simple of a concept it is, there are many factors to take into account, especially for those who have not used the Internet extensively.

Question One: What should educators take into account when asking their students to use Google for research?

For students just learning to use Google, there are many factors to take into account when giving instructions on how to best use the Search Engine. The first should be to assist students in becoming familiar with appropriate "Search Terms". Using the proper wording and combination of words is very important as it will help in narrowing down or specifying information as it is returned.

Also, students should be instructed on how to best interpret descriptions of web pages. As the search turns up countless options to choose from, it is important to know how to read each description and interpret if it is relevant information. When one has mastered interpretation, it becomes much easier to narrow down useful information.

Question Two: What is the difference between sponsored links and non-sponsored links?

If you have ever used Google before, you may have noticed that there are usually one or two Web sites that are set apart from the others at the top of the page. These Web sites are sponsored, that is that a company has paid Google to put their web page at the top of the search list. This is a form of advertising. It is important to realize this when doing research on Google, because such sites may not be the most credible or appropriate web site to reference. Just because a site is at the top of the sponsored links does not necessarily mean it is the most useful to whatever research one might be doing.