App review by Leslie Crenna, Common Sense Education | Updated January 2013
Google Search Mobile App
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Google Search Mobile App

Easy searching could use kid-friendly filters

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Learning rating
Editorial review by Common Sense Education
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Grades
6–12 This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
Subjects & Skills
English Language Arts, Communication & Collaboration, Critical Thinking

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Pros: Students can learn essential information-age skills like how to ask questions and use relevant search terms.

Cons: Inappropriate content is still accessible despite filtering, especially with slightly more creative searches.

Bottom Line: Google Search is a must-have app for teachers, but students who use it in the classroom will need strict filters.

How can teachers use the most popular search engine in the world? Let us count the ways. In addition to fact-finding and fact-checking missions across an endless range of subjects -- history and world cultures, social studies, sciences, art, math -- you can teach your students how to best find the information that's most useful to them by asking questions in the right way and weeding out the reliable sources from the unreliable.

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The experience of the Google Search app is very much like the browser. The interface is easy to read, and voice recognition is quite accurate. Wikipedia definitions display directly with results, and Google Maps inserts relevant (albeit usually commercial) images.

Google Search SafeSearch offers three levels of filtering: none, moderate (the default), and strict, which blocks some of the most egregious terms and images. It also lets you deselect your location for search results and other Google services. To filter, go to Settings at the bottom of any search page (although not the main menu). Under SafeSearch Filters, select Strict, then scroll to the bottom and tap the Save button. You can also block up to 500 sites via Manage Blocked Sites and your Gmail account.

Google Search has limitless potential but requires vigilant adult guidance. Filtering and locational data blocking aren't sufficient, as inappropriate content in ads, videos, images, and text still get through with creative and persistent searching, and results for nearby restaurants come up just fine even when your location is disabled. It's important to know that although adults can lock filters for Web-based browsing, they apparently can't with the app version, which makes filtering useless for any student who knows how and wants to change the settings. Finally, consumerism opportunities are pervasive; the first item returned from a search is usually an ad.

Overall Rating

Engagement Would it motivate students and hold their interest? Is it visually appealing? Would it inspire teachers to try something new or change their instruction?

Spare and simple design very much like the browser version, relevant results, and lots of available resources for all interests.

Pedagogy Does the tool help teachers promote a more student-centered experience? Will students gain conceptual understanding or think critically? Does it deepen teachers’ pedagogical thinking?

While the experience is chock full of pedagogical opportunities, the app itself does not provide guidance in searching techniques, evaluating the source, digital citizenship, or critical thinking.

 

Support Can students and teachers get assistance when they need it? Is it created with people of different abilities and backgrounds in mind? Is learning reinforced and extended beyond the digital experience?

The app is mostly intuitive, and the app includes links to help info for Google Search.


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