This week we were asked to look at Google Trends, Google Insight, and various statistical data sites.
Google Trends is an interesting site. It allows you to search terms and find out how often those terms are searched for. The results can be defined according to region and language. The results are provided with a line graph for easy viewing. If desired, a person can search for several related terms to see how they compare to each other. Google Insights is very similar to Google Trends. It provides the same information and also includes a map of the world with search volume index, categories that can narrow results, and rising searches.
We were also asked to research statistical data websites. My favorite sites were National Center for Educational Statistics and Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The DPI site provides information that is local. You can find information about the school district you teach in, the district your children are enrolled in, or a district you may be getting a job in. The NCES site provides information about almost every topic in education. Results provided on this site are given in many different ways, which is great for interpretation.
