What is Google?
Google is an internet search engine that uses a proprietary algorithm to rank and order search results in terms of their relevance to users and their dependability as data sources. Its stated mission is to ‘organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful’. Google’s dominance is also signified by the use of ‘google’ as a verb, meaning to search for something online. Google allows users to search for a range of media including websites, images, video and locations using Google Maps.
Adapted from eSafety Commisioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/google
DEFINITIONS
Algorithm: A set of mathematical instructions or rules that, especially if given to a computer, will help to calculate an answer to a problem. (definition from Cambridge Dictionary)
Proprietary algorithm: A sequence of steps or rules performed to achieve a specific goal, belonging to a commercial company. (definition from Answers)
Verb: A word used to indicate an action. (definition from Your Dictionary)
How have you used Google?
QUESTIONS
Consider how you use google in your day to day life.
What kinds of information do you use Google to find?
What types of things do you type in the search box?
Do you get the results you want?
Have you ever clicked to the second page of search results?
Do you usually click on the first results listed?
Have you ever found something you didn't want?
SHARE
Discuss your answers with a partner before we share some of the results as a class.
"An apple with the logo of Google made with laser" by missha is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
