Civil War Disco?

I learned how to search for something on Google today.  Now, I realize that my understanding of Google and how to utilize its' tools is still only the tip of the search iceberg.  HOWEVER, I can now narrow my searches from 563,487,973,000 results, to a more reasonable 22,000.  Not only that, but the first few results will probably be closer to what I am actually looking for.  WHAAAT??

When I got home, the first thing I did was search the word "disco."  Did you know that the word "disco" was being used in the 1850's and 60's?  I didn't!  But now I do!!  (And so does my uninterested wife!)

And there's more!  Contrary to the belief of every professor I've ever had, Wikipedia isn't the Devil!  This blows my mind!  I can actually look for something on Wikipedia, verify its' reliability, and learn stuff!  Oh yeah...and I can also contribute my own research and learning, then share it with the world.

As for using social media in my classroom?  Well, I am kind of an old fuddy-duddy when it comes to being social media savvy.  However, social media is here to stay.  It is now in the DNA of our future students.  So, I can either use it, or fight it.  And if there is benefit in it, why fight it?  Besides I legitimately learned something from these two kiddos: http://6thgradeworldsolutions.blogspot.com/2017/06/another-ocean-acidification-video.html

Okay...so what are the takeaways?  How can I use this stuff in my classroom?  Well, for starters, this is all fantastic for research.  I wish I knew these few Google tricks a long time ago.  I can already think of some fun opening tasks that could be created around this knowledge.  Also, this technology is the new normal for the younger generations.  The earlier I embrace the reality of this generation (even though it kind of creeps me out sometimes), the better I can find positive ways to utilize technology for better learning!