Unlike some library media people, I am not of the persuasion that Google is the worst possible source for finding information. Honestly - I have a hard time believing that those who denounce Google's usefulness are really abstaining from the site. I figure it's some sort of closet-guilty pleasure, but lets not presume too much.
The truth is, Google has too many great features to try to banish it from the learning environment. (This blog is powered by Google, so I obviously believe it has value.) The trick is helping students know when to Google and when to go elsewhere.
Here's a few things to remember:
1) Google is a search engine - it points you to sites that are popular and (let's face it) willing to pay money to show up high on the results list. Don't ever fall into the trap of assuming that the first page of results is the best.
2) The websites you find on Google can come from anywhere and anyone - check for things like authors, publication dates, and endorsements from credible organizations before you use a source.
3) The best time to Google is when you are doing your "presearching." Skim the search results for basic info and other possible search terms you can use later on in more reliable sources.
4) Don't do a one-stop Google shop for any information search that really matters to you. There's plenty of other sources out there. At the very least, check other sources to make sure what you found through Google is correct.
Google is certainly a friend...it's just that it's one of those friends you have to always check up on.
The truth is, Google has too many great features to try to banish it from the learning environment. (This blog is powered by Google, so I obviously believe it has value.) The trick is helping students know when to Google and when to go elsewhere.
Here's a few things to remember:
1) Google is a search engine - it points you to sites that are popular and (let's face it) willing to pay money to show up high on the results list. Don't ever fall into the trap of assuming that the first page of results is the best.
2) The websites you find on Google can come from anywhere and anyone - check for things like authors, publication dates, and endorsements from credible organizations before you use a source.
3) The best time to Google is when you are doing your "presearching." Skim the search results for basic info and other possible search terms you can use later on in more reliable sources.
4) Don't do a one-stop Google shop for any information search that really matters to you. There's plenty of other sources out there. At the very least, check other sources to make sure what you found through Google is correct.
Google is certainly a friend...it's just that it's one of those friends you have to always check up on.
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