Recently
in class we have done several activities to try to teach everyone how to
properly search on Google, how to spot phony websites and we learned the
importance of accuracy, reliability, and authenticity. In order to do so we
used the Google a Day site, and researched the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus.
These were both very fun activities and I really learned a lot from both.
When we
gathered as groups and took on the Google a Day challenge I didn't know what to
expect. The website gives who ever takes the challenge three question and the
person must try to find the answers to the questions using Google. One might
think that sounds simple, but it was actually very challenging. At first my
group struggled a lot with the challenge and we tried many different techniques
to get the first question, which was "What is event is known as the eighth
wonder of the world?” but eventually we figured out that the answer was WrestleMania.
The website offers a number of tips and tricks which include, search for a
specific website, change around the words in your search, take out some words
that aren't needed, search for a specific file, and many more.
Also, as previously mentioned,
we did a little research on the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and found this
website Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus. At first glance the website
appears legitimate. There is plenty of detail, pictures and videos of the
animal. However, once you dig deeper you may find yourself questioning the
legitimacy of the tree octopus because there are some dead giveaways on the
site. For example the author says that the species is endangered but it is not
on the endangered species list. This raises some questions about the species,
and then if you simply Google search the animal's name you will find it is a
fake species. This brings me to a very important part about navigating the Internet
seas safely, accuracy, reliability, and authenticity. These three
adjectives are supremely important when searching the web. Accuracy is key
because the information you are reporting on has to be true or the whole report
is pointless. Reliability is vital because if you use a respected author then
you know your information is accurate. Finally, authenticity is important so
you can site your sources properly.
Google Logo, Photo, googleblog.blogspot.com
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