Becoming a Better Google User

Dear Parents,
In skills class over the last month or so, we have been working together to become better purveyors of Google, the program that also manages our Drive, where we keep files and information related to school projects. Because so much information is now found online, it is important to understand basic user-defined features such as:

• Using appropriate search terms
• Getting the most out of search tools
• Understanding operator and how Google works

With that in mind, it is also a good idea for our students to apply the skills they have been introduced to, as they work on other projects, and also at home when looking for information. These skills transfer to all aspects of our lives, and should be of great practical help to everyone in your family! Below is a quick recap of these skills; feel free to ask your child for more information or to demonstrate!

• First, safety: Always turn on Safe Search when conducting a Google Image search. On most browsers, this can be found when in the Images section of a Google search screen:

  

  Safe Search is an option on the top right part of an Images screen. Click "Filter Explicit results" to engage. When using image search within the Google Drive application of stmm.me, Safe Search should automatically be engaged.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  • Google is an amazing product that works with its own index of the web. We have watched and discussed this video together - learn more about how Google works here:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHR6IQJGZs
  
  Our next post will talk about search tools and operators that get the most out of our searches, as well as basic search term tips!
  
  Thank you!