Internet Search Tools

Finding safe places for our students to search the internet is a concern that many educators hold. We want our students to be using the internet for research, but sometimes we are reluctant to allow students to have free range for fear of what they may come across. This blog post contains some website options for students to use as digital search tools to access internet content safely. To access any of the websites mentioned below, please click on the icon that displays the name of the site.

InstaGrok 

Search Web Results 

Instagrok is a web-based search engine where students can search any topic and receive an information web the displays the results. The web of information includes videos, photos, and texts for the students to explore. The photo on the right displays the information web that results when you conduct a search. Some unique features of the website are that it includes a place for students to take notes and provides quiz questions on the topic searched. The display of information is visually pleasing and the interface is very user-friendly. Instagrok would be a very useful tool in the classroom when working on research projects or for developing critical thinking skills. You can access InstaGrok via their website or through their application. A limitation of the website is found in the limited access through the free account. There is an option for a paid account.

Infotrek

Picture Icons 

Infotrek is a web-based searched engine that was created by Dr. Michael Bell and his wife, Carole Bell. Both have been classroom teachers and librarians and that is evident in the creation and set up of their website. The interface of the website is user friendly and easy to navigate. Some features that make this website useful for educators and students are the picture icons that indicate different subjects to search by, the reference buttons to other student friendly search engines, and the useful information that searches yield. The site also features a 'search tips' tab that can aid students in their search. The last feature that is unique to the site is, it allows you to take notes on the information you are reading and email it to yourself. A feature that some may consider a draw back is when you search it opens a new window for every search. I think that this can clutter the research process and some students may get lost in the navigation of material. The site could be used within the classroom anytime research needed to be conducted.

KidRex

KidRex is a web-based search engine that was created with the help of kids. You can see from the image it is visually appealing and geared towards younger students. It is a google-based search engine and uses the google 'safe search' features to help streamline the content, so it is appropriate for children. The website has a page dedicated just to parents to help explain the website and how information is filtered. A unique feature to this site is, KidRex Pro. At this point in time they are rebuilding the pro service and it is not available. The website would be great for any type of student research, however the style of the website is geared towards primary students.

WolframAlpha

WolframAlpha, as their creators put it, is not a search engine; WolframAlpha is a 'computational knowledge engine.' The site does not function as google functions, but instead it completes computations within it's own database knowledge. The site can compute math problems, tell you the calorie content of your food, and even Stock Market comparisons. The site's complex nature may make it hard for students to use. When I searched 'what is the rock cycle', it did not yield any useable data. Students would have to be mindful of how they search and the information that is returned. A unique feature is the lesson plans that are provided for teachers. The lesson plans are structured around students searching for different topics and interfacing with WolframAlpha. Using a lesson plan may be a good starting point in teaching your students how to use the website. A couple of drawbacks I see from the site is that it will require a teacher-led tutorial for the students to understand how to search on it. Also, some of the content yielded in the search may not be school appropriate. This site could be used for lesson planning or student research projects.

Fact Monster

Fact Monster is a website that falls under the category of a referenced based resource. It contains a search engine that allows you to search any topic you would like. Also, it contains a homework center, games and quizzes, a reference desk, and many more information sections. I think these different categories give the site a unique feature that is appealing to kids. I could see students spending a lot of time reading through the different information under the 'cool facts' tab; it seems very appealing for kids. This site could be used for any research project in the classroom or if students are working on an independent investigation. A drawback I see to the site is the layout. The site is very busy and you there are a lot of different pop-ups and buttons to select.