This week we have learned about many different things. We have looked into different search engines, online word processors, and important things to know about internet browsers.
I looked at a couple of different online word processors. These have the advantage of being able to access documents anywhere there is internet access. Many of them are very similar to Microsoft Word, so the students would probably make the change easily. I find that these could easily be implemented into my classroom. I do many projects and assignments for which the students use Microsoft Word. Using an online word processor would cut down on paper usage, ink costs, and storage space. This is very beneficial to a small district with budget problems.
We also are investigating different search engines. I have always used Yahoo for my searching needs, ever since I started using the internet. I haven't had the opportunity to use many other search engines, but have occasionally used Google or Swagbucks. Swagbucks checks other search engines for results to a search which is advantageous. We also discussed mistakes people make when using a search engine. I found I need to improve my search skills to maximize my results. I am excited to use Boolean searches more to find better results. Hopefully I can then help students become better searchers.
I really like the idea of using online word processors in order to save money on paper and ink. It would also be really easy to collaborate and do peer editing. Do you plan on bringing up the idea of using online word processors to save money for you district? Have you considered collaborating with another school for a project?
ReplyDeleteI have never tried Swagbucks before, it seems interesting and I will have to give it a try.
A couple of teachers already use Google docs. I see it being more widely used by the end of this school year. I am hoping to be able to implement it more at semester change when I get new classes.
ReplyDeleteI too need to refine my search. It turns out I've made a lot of mistakes in my internet searches. Until you mentioned Swagbucks I've never heard of it. I'll have to do some researching on that one. Did I hear you say that you earn reward money using Swagbucks? How does that work?
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas - could you have Swagbucks as a link when you blog next time (ok - I should say consider making items links in your postings)
ReplyDeleteSwagbucks is a search engine. It pulls results from Google and Ask and about 2-3 times a day you earn points, or swagbucks, for your searches. You can also earn swagbucks for other things on the site, taking the daily poll, going to the trusted surveys, NOSO, and several other things. You can trade in your swagbucks at the Swag Store for different things. I usually trade mine in for Amazon Gift Cards. 450 swagbucks=$5 Amazon Gift Card.
ReplyDelete