I found a short post by Cool Cat Teacher entitled, "You Just Can't Google It? http://www.xtranormal.com/watch/11558390/you-cant-just-google-itVicki Davis, the blog host didn't comment on the site, just gave the address and a short synopsis of the video. "A video that helps students understand why just "Googling it" is not an adequate approach to research." (Sweetsearch, 2011)
This 2-minute video was fabulous on so many levels. Not only was it entertaining, (love Lego people), it would make a great tool to use to engage students while providing beneficial information to viewers.
Although, Google lovers, could feel a bit beat up after watching this video, it is probably because they know that the information is true. I do tell my students when they are starting out searches to pick the top few choices Google provides. But the video points out this is based on popularity not validity. It also discusses some nasty habits we all have been guilty of when searching: putting in one or two words and taking what ever is given to you. I will always have a frustrated student come to me and say, "It didn't have anything on lion baby food" or "I couldn't find anything on "where a lion gets it food from and eats". Both are going to get students dizzy and frustrated. The video gives great advice as to how to search and evaluate a website.
I was just really impressed with this video and the potential it had as a teaching tool. I could see me using this in my 3-5 grades classes as an introduction to web research.
I am interested in what you think...
Anne
This past week I took my 11yr old and 8yr old to our local public library. As part of their ‘Summer Reading Program’ our library has set up QR codes around the library that, when you scan them with a barcode reader on your smartphone, give you some brief trivia about a particular country/city around the world. At the end of each trivia fact, there is a question that, if answered correctly, the student(s) win a gift certificate of their choice. The first question (Paris, France) was: “What is the height of the Eiffel Tower?” Immediately my 11yr old and 8yrd old wanted type the question into Google. However, I tried to explain to them that the exercise was meant to use the library’s other resources (like books and encyclopedias) – not just a computer. I had to explain to them that while they may find one answer on the computer (Google, Wikipedia, etc.) they need to get corroborating evidence from 2 other sources. Of course, these rules were not imposed on them by the library in any way – but as a concerned parent who loves libraries and research (I know, I’m sick aren’t I?) I wanted them to have these additional constraints so they could practice looking up books in the catalog, finding them on the shelves, and looking through the books for the answers. Needless to say, it was a very enjoyable experience for them. My 11yr old was highly engaged and motivated by the gift certificate rewards and my 8yr old said he enjoyed it because he could be a detective. What was my reward? My reward was having a teachable moment with my children to inspire them to look beyond just “Google” search.
ReplyDeleteThat was fabulous! It probably took longer than a Google search but the value in that exercise was well worth it! Congrats!
ReplyDelete