Monday, February 13, 2012

Improve your Searches with Google Search

Improve your
Searches!
If you are like me, you probably use Google daily or at least weekly. However, sometimes I can't locate exactly what I am wanting. Google uses an algorithm to generate search results. Also, many advertisers pay big bucks in an auction to be forced to the top of the search in the light colored peach box and on the right column of the webpage. Avoid those and start reading around the middle. Get accustomed to this and train your eye to start reading in the middle section.


Try these ideas to assist you.
  1. One-Words: Try entering only one word or short phrases into the search box. Example:
    • Map [enter city]
    • Flight [enter number and airlines]
    • Translate [enter word and language] This one was amazing to me! No need to find the right translation website.
    • Convert [enter units]  example: 10 miles to feet
    • Movies [enter city and movie name]
    • Weather [enter city]
  2. Natural Language: Use words that you would in everyday natural language. Example: 
    • "What is the story with the energy panels on the top of Carroll Middle School?" or
    • "What is up with the traffic outside of the DFW Airport?" (I use this one regularly. Ugh.)
    • "How did the dye your hair blonde start with Southlake football players?"
  3. Open the Door Phrases: Add these phrases AFTER entering the topic you want.
    • How-to 
    • DIY (Do it Yourself)
    • Overview
    • Tutorials
    • Introduction
    • Summary
    • Background
    • Help
    • FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
    • Lesson
    • Image
    • Video
    • Review
If you want to know more about how to find information more efficiently and effectively, then be sure and attend the Web Literacy Workshop being offered this summer in Carroll ISD!


WEB SITE:
www.SignUpGenius.com
Spring is about to be upon us. That means many field trips, celebrations, graduation parties, etc. Go green and forgo the paper sign up sheet. Use www.SignUpGenius.com to create an online sign up sheet. I have used it many times. If you need assistance, ask your campus instructional technology specialist or email me.
It even sends email reminders to those that sign up! Wow!


Tip of the Week:
On a PC, click +Ctrl and the letter "F" to bring up a search box to find what you need. On a Mac, click Apple/Command and the letter "F."

Almost all of the above information was gained at the TCEA conference. All information can be located on the TCEA website.


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