Journal 1 - Your Google Guide

In reading the article "Your Google Guide" by Doug Johnson in the May 2008 Issue of Learning and Leading with technology, I couldn't help to think that all the information given was a little trivial. Anyone using a search engine, or any new technology for that matter, should do their research on how to effectively use it. While this is often overlooked and people just jump right into it, giving in to excitement or whatever it may be, the advice given seems to be for someone very new to technology. The funny thing is, it is written for those who have experience using Google, as he says in his first paragraph. One thing that the article touched on that I feel is an important aspect of searching is using search operators. I must admit that although I spend many hours on the web weekly, this is still an area that I am not too confident about. I would love to research these operators further to assist in saving me time when conducting web searches.

Question 1: Where is a good place to get information for novice Google users?
Users should test out the site first, toying around with all the ins and outs such as 'advanced search', 'specialized search tools', and 'Google's search tips' will get a novice user familiar with the Google site and how to effectively use it's components.

Question 2: How can I keep students from stumbling upon inappropriate web content?
By doing your homework, studying proper search techniques, and signing up for Google's Librarian Central Newsletter. As a teacher if you can convey proper search etiquette and practices to your students, they are less likely to spend time in the "bad" websites and more likely to save time by finding only the information they need for their search query.