Reflective Searching - Blog #3
Just today, as I sat in a planning meeting at the school, the group began to discuss possible quotes for our presentation. My response... I completed a Google search. Responding in this manner is not a reflection of taking FRIT 7234; my natural tendency is to use the most convenient device, usually my iPhone, to look up the answer. Even though I was born well before 1993, I guess you can say I have characteristics of the Google Generation.
As with anything, I have become a better searcher over time. I have learned tips along the way that have made finding information easier. I still find myself bogged down at times, trying different combinations of key terms, but I am also still learning new ways to search. I am completely fascinated by the fact I can upload a picture during a Google search! Unfortunately, I am much like students in that I literally type my question instead of using Google operators. I have room for growth, right??
Even though I do not consider myself old, college research has changed drastically since I graduated. In 1998, I relied heavily on the library to complete school assignments, searching through the catalog for periodicals or reference books that warranted a citation in my papers. As I currently pursue my Master's Degree, I have not set foot in a library. Everything is at my fingertips, even entire databases. According to information behavior of the researcher of the future, "89 percent of college students use search engines to begin an information search" (2008, p.7). Will librarians soon be obsolete?
With all that said, has technology made everyone better researchers? Not necessarily! Yes, information can be found easier and faster, but that does not equate to better quality. As a 5th grade teacher, I have witnessed students quickly find facts but struggle with what is most appropriate and what to do with it once found. I personally believe the easy access has contributed to the fact that the Google Generation is considered the 'cut and paste' generation (2008, p.7). Students often use the first information found and believe that pasting the exact wording into their document is okay. With all of the access comes much responsibility.
What is the responsibility of the teacher? I personally believe it is my responsibility to grow in the area of research and then share that knowledge with my students. I need to model best practices for research so that my students have an example to learn from and follow.
Should I start a Google search on how to become a better Google searcher?? ☺
References
As with anything, I have become a better searcher over time. I have learned tips along the way that have made finding information easier. I still find myself bogged down at times, trying different combinations of key terms, but I am also still learning new ways to search. I am completely fascinated by the fact I can upload a picture during a Google search! Unfortunately, I am much like students in that I literally type my question instead of using Google operators. I have room for growth, right??
Even though I do not consider myself old, college research has changed drastically since I graduated. In 1998, I relied heavily on the library to complete school assignments, searching through the catalog for periodicals or reference books that warranted a citation in my papers. As I currently pursue my Master's Degree, I have not set foot in a library. Everything is at my fingertips, even entire databases. According to information behavior of the researcher of the future, "89 percent of college students use search engines to begin an information search" (2008, p.7). Will librarians soon be obsolete?
With all that said, has technology made everyone better researchers? Not necessarily! Yes, information can be found easier and faster, but that does not equate to better quality. As a 5th grade teacher, I have witnessed students quickly find facts but struggle with what is most appropriate and what to do with it once found. I personally believe the easy access has contributed to the fact that the Google Generation is considered the 'cut and paste' generation (2008, p.7). Students often use the first information found and believe that pasting the exact wording into their document is okay. With all of the access comes much responsibility.
What is the responsibility of the teacher? I personally believe it is my responsibility to grow in the area of research and then share that knowledge with my students. I need to model best practices for research so that my students have an example to learn from and follow.
Should I start a Google search on how to become a better Google searcher?? ☺
References
Yes, it is so convenient to pick up our I-Phone and search for information on Google. I do it too. Through reading the articles, I will try to use different tools that will allow me to refine my searches. I agree with you in saying that the Google Generation only wants to "copy and paste" their way through an assignment so its up to us, as teachers, to give them opportunities that will allow them to be knowledgeable of the dos and don'ts.
ReplyDeleteI relate so much to your blog post Krista! My answer to most things that I do not know is, "Let's Google it!" If I come upon a word in our reading in my classroom that I do not know, I'll get on my SmartBoard with my students and google the word. I do this so that they can see how to be independent and search their own ideas and questions on their own with their devices.
ReplyDeleteI was also amazed at how you can search Google with an image. I had to try it too! I just searched an image of my favorite painting here at the house by a local artist and the search gave me her name as well as her biography!
I also relate very much to your post. We are all in the same boat in learning to make sense of all this new knowledge. I work with mainly 17 and 18 year old students and since I teach French, it is very hard to stop them from using Google translate, and then cut and paste the answer. I have no clue what the alternative would be to not using Google. I don't have a class set of paper dictionaries and I sure have no intent of getting one.
ReplyDeleteI must say that I also was amazed by the image search!
I'm also guilty of pulling out my iPhone and searching Google way too often. I'm also guilty of not teaching my students how to conduct meaningful searches. The readings and information from this week has opened my eyes to the importance of teaching our students not only 'how' to search, but also how to evaluate the results they receive. I'm interested in looking into the teaching resources Google provides for teachers.
ReplyDeleteWe have all used Google at some point in time to look up information, especially on our phones. If find that Google is my go to search engine for information. I need to become more familiar with how to search within Google. As a first year media specialist I have found that my high school students do not know how to use reference materials to look up information. When I ask them about it they respond, "It's just easier to look it up on the computer." Are we doing our students a disservice by not teaching them how to research using actual books rather than the internet and online databases? I like you, wonder in future years will their even be a need for a human librarian?
ReplyDeleteGreat question: what is the responsibility of teachers today? It is plain to see that the role of teachers today is changing. Once upon a time, we were the givers of answers, now we are expected to be the coordinators of how to get the students to ask the right questions and give the right answer, with differentiation. The problem with technology is that it changes and quickly. Not so long ago, Power Point was the next best thing to automatic grade books, now PP is seen as so old fashion and out dated, Presi is the hot game in town. Perhaps, teachers will become similar to technology; there will be upgraded versions that are on the cutting edge then there will be teachers who are obsolete and out dated. Technology will leave no wounded behind...
ReplyDelete