Monday, July 20, 2009

Google Features That Make Teachers' Lives Easier Part 1 – Google 411, SMS, and Book Search

Today’s post is the first in several that will give you an insight to some Google tools you may not have not had the chance to previously explore.  Yes, we all Google in one form or another, but most of us are unaware of little tools and great updated features that make Google more than a basic search engine.  Plus, with the newest features of Google Squared, the Timeline, and the Wonder Wheel, students and teachers have a way to navigate through information more efficiently and effectively.  I don’t know about you, but I’m a big fan of getting results quickly rather than wandering in the web for hours.

Today I’ll talk about two free Google phone applications and the Google Book Search.  Though I’m pretty confident these tools were not invented with teachers in mind, they do feature great applications for educators. 

Goog-411 and Google SMS

Still have a phone book in the car?  Or better yet, do you have multiple phone books in the house?  Send them to recycling immediately and harness the power of Google Mobile technology.  Goog411 and Google SMS allow you to reference the yellow pages without letting your fingers do all the walking. 

What’s the difference?

 

Goog-411

Google SMS

Phone number to add to your contact list 1800-466-4411

Phone number to add to your contact list 466453

Voice commands that can be used with cell or land line phones

Texting Only (to keep it free, don’t use unless you pay for texting on your cell phone)

Voice Search by category – For example “ice cream. Andover, KS”

Accepts short text searches by category with city, state, but you can also type in zip codes – For example “ice cream 67002”

Can be troublesome with voice recognition.  You’ll have to be patient and speak slowly

Might have to send the message more than once, but this trouble rarely happens

Will connect you directly to the business

Will send you a text message with the business address and the phone number with option to dial the business directly.

If you pay to have internet on your phone – say “Map It” and Google will send you a street map of the location

List of the extra features for Google SMS such as movie showtimes (yeah, I use that one a lot), translation tool, weather, airline flight status, calculator, dictionary, and more.  The tool on the site is interactive – try it.

 

How can teachers use these tools? 

Investigate current weather conditions for recess and sporting practices
Gather phone numbers for field trip destinations and businesses.
Run quick calculations or conversions for lessons

Google Book Search

I really like the benefits from the Google Book search for the classroom.  There ease of finding a book, previewing it, and occasionally reading the entire book online, opens new opportunities for classroom investigations.

Have a favorite author?  Simply type in the author’s name to receive a visual bibliography of works.  Be sure to look for the words underneath each title.  Often you will find “Limited Preview” which allows you to read excerpts of a book and occasionally the complete first chapter.  Other titles, especially those in the public domain, will have “Full View” under the title and are able to be read completely online. 

If you have a Google account additional features are available such as being able to take notes, highlight, and search within the book for key phrases.  Doesn’t that make research easier?

Students can also use the Google Book Search before they had to the library.  Let’s say you have a student who really loves to read about mermaids.  In the search field, type in juvenile fiction mermaids.  The results are a list of children’s literature all relating to mermaids.  You can try picture book mermaids, as well, to find more results.  Most titles will have links to reviews and again the ability to read excerpts giving students a chance to preview a book before checking it out.

Think about how this feature will help librarians, as well.  Now they can investigate titles, read reviews of the work, and find the cheapest place to order the book before adding it the school library collection. 

My next post will share the coolest new features the Wonder Wheel and Timeline tool.  Be sure to look for it!

2 comments:

  1. Thank you for choosing this focus. This first part is excellent. Looking forward to the rest!

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  2. Mrs. Smoke
    Google Features That Make Teachers' Lives Easier Part 1 – Google 411, SMS, and Book Search
    http://mrssmoke.onsugar.com/3534698
    Mrs. Smoke
    Once again an excellent source of useful information. I apologize for the previous typos. I was so excited that I didn't edit. I look forward to more of your podcasts.

    ReplyDelete