Google's Gifts for Searching

Typically I type in www.google.com and then whatever I'm looking for that day, or more appropriately that hour because Google has been the answer to all random, weird, or important questions/sources/pictures I've looked for over the past years. The saying "Think smarter not harder" was what I thought I was doing by quickly typing in what I wanted at that moment and awaiting the plethora of resources that would be at my fingertips. However, I failed to take a serious look around the my google browser or even look up tips for refining my searches to make life a little easier. Have you ever taken advantage of the other features Google provides you for better search results? If you're like me then NO because you didn't know and you didn't want to take the time to find out. I mean whose got time for that? Ha. Ha. There are many advantages to using Google as your browser (which I covered in my last post Google Chrome Browser) and searching for information is just another reason to consider Google Chrome as your number one. Well, below I've summed up and dumbed down my top five basic and favorite Google search tools you can start taking advantage of! Check out the features below and start refining your searches on Google today.

The Big Five

1. File Type- Raise your hand if you have done a paper or project at the last minute? Everyone! Okay Perfect! When you're searching for information on Google and you want a certain file like Powerpoint or excel you simply need to type in your topic, then filetype, colon, and then it's abbreviation. For example, if you want a powerpoint on classroom management you would type this into the search bar (omnibar):

classroom management filetype:ppt

TA DA! You'll have scoured the web for all Powerpoint resources on classroom management by using this simple little trick. The video below gives more of an overview of this tool.

Common File Types:

ppt = Powerpoint
xls = Microsoft Excel
doc = PDF's
swf = Shockwave Flash

2. Specific Source Search- Along the same lines as the previous search trick this tip allows you to get more SPECIFIC with your search results. Most of the time when you are in need of some seriously reliable information for school or classroom assistance you might look for the EDU at the end of that resource. I know I do because it's legit! Well, instead of just typing in your topic and praying you get lucky with some reliable sources towards the top of your search, you can just ask for it! For example, if you are looking for information on sea lions and you want to focus on educational resources you will type this into the search bar (omnibar):

sea lions:edu

And there you go! Sources that are from educational websites will fill your results. You can do the same for government or org based sources as well. The video below provides more information, and please ignore the strange woman on the intro. Enjoy!

3. Reading Level- This awesome trick truly amazed me! If you're having your kiddos do some research, and you want them to be able to actually read the results, you can search for information that is on their reading level. All you have to do is follow the easy steps below:

• Go to your Google browser
• Click on the options button and then scroll down to advanced search
• Scroll down to reading level and select Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced
• Click submit and the results will list the sources on that reading level

Mind=Blown. I hope some teacher's life out there in cyberspace just got a little bit easier! Watch below if you're confused.

4. Google News- If you need help researching a topic in the news that you want more information on from today and from history Google makes news searching easy. This tool would definitely benefit upper level student research or enrichment projects. Check out the steps below:

• Type your topic into the search bar (omnibar)

• After you search, click on the News tab under the omnibar

• Click on the Search Tools box, then any time, and finally custom range.

• Input the dates you want to specifically search to tighten up those results!
• Click Go and you'll have news related information, on the topic of choice, within a time frame you want!

5. The Perfect Book- Primary teachers are ALWAYS looking for a book we can read that relates to a new topic we're teaching! This trick helps you find and preview potential books that can be used for a topic you're teaching. If you're interested in trying this out, follow the steps below:

• Type in your topic in the omnibar.
• Click on search tools and then any books
• Select preview available, so that you can check the book out and decide whether it's what you're looking for

And BOOM!  You got yourself a book. Check out the video below for more information or go to Google Books to try it out right now!

There are my top five!  Spread the love and add more that you know below.......