Why+use+Google?

= = = = =Why use Google?=

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Yesterday, today, tomorrow created by Tania Douglas, 25 March, 2010

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Below is the text from the above youtube video, Why use Google?

Ready or not...... The world is different........ Kids are different....... Learning is different...... And teachers must be different too......... (ISTE, 2000. 1-2, as cited in Finger, Russel, Jamison-Proctor and Russel, 2007)

If we take into account the about quote, it is easy to decided that using a tool such as Google and all it has to offer is paramount in our ever changing world. Because of the diversity among learners, as well as a diverse curricula, a single approach to teaching is neither adequate nor appropriate (Finger et al, 2007). Catering for diversity is not an easy task for educators, using ICT is the key. The internet opens the window to a world of information and Google mission is to be able to access information at the touch of your fingertips is mind boggling in a sense but is the future of education, business and all other aspects of our lives. Connectivist theories are the way of the future, continual learning drives this theory and the use of the internet supports this.

The pedagogical issues relate predominantly to assumptions that ICT can improve student learning, and that ICT have the potential for new pedagogy (Finger et al 2007). ICT can greatly facilitate desirable practices: Google is the ideal platform for this learning to take place as stated above.
 * Greater attention is paid to higher order thinking and problem solving skills.
 * Basic skills are learned undertaking 'real-world' tasks requiring the integration of skills.
 * Information can be accessed when it actually becomes useful.
 * Fewer topics may be covered, but they will be explored in greater depth.
 * The student assumes the central role as active architect of his/her own knowledge rather than passively absorbing information provided by the teacher (Maddux, LaMont Johnson & Wills, 2001 as cited in Finger, et al, 2007).

Many educators are already using Google in a range of different ways in their classrooms. Why? To start with, Google is free, is easy to use and provides way to many applications to actually list. If you have the internet, then you have access to Google. There are no contracts, software to buy, complicated installation instructions, it's simple and effective in any situation. Due to this, Google is a household name and has been referred to by Bill Thompson (2003) (a technology analyst for BBC news) "Perhaps it is simply that Google has become the Coke of the web. Sweet, available everywhere, and the first choice of the consumer." Google is developing every day, new applications and platforms are being created, providing educators with tools that produce higher order thinking skills, student focused learning and connections that can acquire information as it changes and is needed. As we head towards the future of ICT and education, Google will be a main portal for the learning of our children.

References

Finger, G. Russell, G. Jamieson-Proctor, R. & Russell, N. (2007) //Transforming Learning with ICT, Making it happen.// Pearson Education Australia, Frenchs Forrest, Australia.

Thompson, B (2003). //Is Google good for you?// Retrieved, 25 April, 2010, from []

//Additional Resources//

The EdTec Hacker website provides you with an indepth look at how you can utelise Google in the classroom. Each link on the "Google in the classroom home page gives you access to short videos on how to use certain Google features. []