Unlocking the Internet

    

    Up until this point, Google has always been a useful tool. "Ok Google. What's the weather outside?" "Ok Google. Set a 5 minute timer." "Hey Google. How many days are there until Christmas?" With the help of my Google Home, the answers were always dropped right into my lap. This useful "tool" can finish the question I am trying to ask and even predict my next questions. I've always felt like I am left to the will of Google. Google has the answer I need and I'm just hoping that I can ask the right question that will unlock my answer, until today that is.

    Google can be hacked.

    Google can be manipulated.

    Google isn't an arcade game where you cross your fingers and hope for the most tickets.

    Google wants us to succeed. Google wants to give us the answer. Google is way more academic than I have ever given it credit for. 

    First off, Google results produce the most cited sources. This is such a great teaching tool for students. The source that students are going to use the most in their entire life chooses to use the most cited sources at the top of its search results. We want students to use quality and trusted sources. Google is doing its best to provide these types of sources for our students. Google is a teacher's friend and not the enemy.

    Second, I'm just really impressed with the way that Google can be manipulated to find certain resources. I never knew someone could perform a Google search in such a way that only produced ".gov" results.  With the right support, we can send students on their way to search for only ".gov" and ".edu" resource if we choose. We really begin to trust that the information coming from a Google search is pointing students in the right direction instead of just a random one.

    Finally, who knew that the internet was so old! I'm not talking about 1996 old. I'm talking about over 200 years old, old. Knowing that this is possible with Google really changes my thinking on the types of first person resources that can be used. I think about the ways that social studies teaching can be transformed with the access of these resources. We no longer need to rely on text books. With resources like these we can dive into first person historical learning like never before.

    Google used to be a mystery. Now, it's my friend.