How Students Can Utilize Search Engines for Homework Help

As an educator, I have had experience with children who don't know exactly how to get homework help while online. After visiting many search engines, I advise students to use two specific sites. Google is a well known search engine that has been providing information seekers with relevant information for years. Students are especially fond of this search engine because it allows them to take virtual field trips. By simply typing a search term into the Google search bar, students are able to experience various places around the world. For example, if an information seeker were to type in the term 'Italy,' they would be amazed to find a wealth of information right at their very fingertips. Students would be able to view maps of this country. They would be able to see pictures of famous gondolas that glide through Italy's canals. Google also allows children to search for WebQuests on specific topics. WebQuests are inquiry-oriented activities that promote children to use higher level thinking skills. They are generally written by teachers and educators andconsist of five parts that include: Introduction, Task, Resources, Process, Evaluation, and Conclusion. If a student wanted to participate in an online WebQuest about Italy, they would need to type 'Italy WebQuest' into the Google search bar. One example of a WebQuest about Italy can be viewed at: http://www.hardin.k12.ky.us/ACADEMY/sdoty/ItalyWebQuest.htm. This WebQuest is entitled, 'The Mystery of Italy,' and is designed for children in grade three. Some of the activities that the student could take part of while visiting this site include reading bout the Colosseum, researching what a mosaic is, and drawing pictures of famous Roman Gods such as Romulus and Remus. Google enriches children's learning experiences by providing them with meaningful information.