Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? 
Queen Rania Teacher Academy, Teacher Skills Forum, December 2014 
Kathleen McKim, Head of Libraries, The International Academy - Amman
The Oxford English Dictionary Says… 
Google, v.2 
Pronunciation: Brit. /ˈɡuːɡl/ , U.S. /ˈɡuɡ(ə)l/ 
Forms: also with lower-case initial. 
Etymology: < Google, a proprietary name for an Internet search engine launched in 
1998. The name of the search engine was perhaps conceived as an alteration of 
googol n., with allusion to the large amount of information contained on the 
Internet. 
1. intr. To use the Google search engine to find information on the Internet. 
1998 L. Page New Features in eGroups (Electronic mailing list) 8 July, Have fun 
and keep googling! 
2004 U.S. News & World Rep. 14 June 49/2 The couple found themselves 
Googling for a new place to live. 
2007 Church Times 14 Dec. 25/3, I did find, when Googling around, that the 
second reference to the story was from an Islamic website. 
2. trans. To enter (a search term) into the Google search engine to find information 
on the Internet; to search for information about (a person or thing) in this way. 
2001 N.Y. Times 11 Mar. iii. 12/3, I met this woman last night at a party and I 
came right home and googled her. 
2010 Daily Tel. 18 Oct. 29/5 Googling ‘breast pain’ came up with eight million. 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Overview 
• Why Does It Matter? 
• Student as Inquirer 
• Approaches to Learning (ATL) 
• What is Google Good For? 
• What Options Do I Have? 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Why Does It Matter? 
4
IB Learner Profile 
5 
INQUIRERS 
We nurture our curiosity, 
developing skills for inquiry 
and research. We know how to 
learn independently and with 
others. We learn with 
enthusiasm and sustain our 
love of learning throughout 
life. 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Approaches to Learning (ATL Skills) 
6 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? 
Research 
Information 
Literacy 
Media 
Literacy
If all you have is a hammer, 
everything looks like a nail. 
Which technology tool can best 
support the thinking processes 
and instructional strategies of 
that phase of inquiry? 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Think/Pair/Share 
What are some opportunities and 
some challenges of navigating in a 
Digital Research Culture? 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Opportunities in a Digital Research Culture 
• Information available on practically anything that students 
9 
want to know 
• Multiple formats and languages 
• Levels from novice to expert 
• Natural language searching 
• Diverse formats 
• Diverse types, from opinion to research 
• One-stop information access 
• High engagement and participation 
• Collaboration and shared thinking 
Adapted from Stripling, 2010 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Challenges in a Digital Research Culture 
• Too much information pressures students toward passive 
10 
acceptance of whatever they find to avoid an unending search 
• Information accepted if found quickly and easily; little in-depth 
probing 
• Lack of sequence and hierarchy in information (order has nothing to 
do with time, place, or even synchrony with researcher’s main 
idea) 
• Specific information with little or no contextualization 
• Pressure for speed 
• Environment favors access over reflection 
• Ability of individuals to post and publish leading to assumption of 
authority. 
Adapted from Stripling, 2010 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
What Can I Google? 
11
Questions for Google 
Adapted from Arment, 2011 
I know this page exists, but I can’t remember the URL! 
• United Nations Data 
• Library of Congress American Memory Collection 
12 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? 
I have a very specific, factual question. 
• How do you make a hard-boiled egg? 
• How deep is the Dead Sea at its lowest point?
Questions for Google 
Adapted from Arment, 2011 
13 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? 
I need to know how to… 
• Apply liquid eyeliner 
• Change a tyre 
I need product research, customer reviews, recommendations. 
• Crowne Plaza v. Marriott 
• Mercedes, BMW or Audi?
Good or Bad? You Judge. 
Car Reviews: Websites
Good or Bad? You Judge. 
Latest Sports News: Websites or Apps
Good or Bad? You Judge. 
Population of Jordan: Library Homepage, 
Destiny Webpath Express, ProQuest SIRS 
Government Reporter, ProQuest SIRS WebSelect
Good or Bad? You Judge. 
Non-Profits:Websites
Good or Bad? You Judge. 
Abuse of women in KSA: Questia School, SIRS 
Issues Researcher
Digital Learning Environments 
19
Where Can We Search? 
• School Library Provided Digital Learning Environments 
• Databases 
• Primary Sources/Archives (Library of Congress, Europeana) 
• E-books (Project Gutenberg) 
• Media-specific Search Engines 
• Bing, Yahoo 
• Medical-specific searching (MEDLINE) 
• Legal Searches (FindLaw) 
• Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) 
• Google Art Project, Folger Shakespeare Digital Image 
20 
Collection 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Your School Library 
21 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Search Engine Extravaganza 
22
23 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
24 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
25 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Ready, Set, Begin! 
• Choose a partner in your grade level or academic subject 
26 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? 
area. 
• Choose one or two of the search engines that look 
interesting to you. 
• Chose a topic to research (one from one of your 
assignments or a topic you are very familiar with). 
• Research your topic in your chosen search engines. 
• Fill in the chart, and be prepared to share your results 
with the class.
Findings 
27 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
AASL Standards Addressed 
1.1 Skills 
1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer 
28 
questions. 
1.1.5 Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of 
accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social 
and cultural context. 
1.2 Dispositions in Action 
1.2.2 Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making 
independent choices in the selection of resources and information. 
1.2.7 Display persistence by continuing to pursue information to gain a 
broad perspective. 
1.3 Responsibilities 
1.3.2 Seek divergent perspectives during information gathering and 
assessment. 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Bibliography 
American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Standards for the 21st-century Learner. Chicago: ALA. 
Anderson, M.A. (2009). The power of primary sources. Multimedia & Internet @ Schools (n.v.): 35-38. 
Arment, M. (January 5, 2011). Google’s decreasingly useful, spam-filled web search. Marco.org. Retrieved 
29 
January 27, 2011, from http://www.marco.org/2617546197. 
Berger, P. (2010). Student inquiry and Web 2.0. School Library Monthly 26(5): 14-17. 
Burkhardt, J. and MacDonald, M. (2010). Teaching Information Literacy: 50 Standards-Based Exercises for 
College Students, 2nd ed. Chicago: ALA. 
Cohen, N. (31 Jan 2011). Define gender gap? Look up Wikipedia’s contributor List. New York Times.com. 
Retrieved December 4, 2012, from http://www.nytimes.com. 
Evangelista, B. (31 Oct 2012). Teachers call online search mixed bag. SFGate.com. Retrieved December 4, 
2012, from http://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Teachers-call-online-search-mixed-bag- 
3998816.php. 
"Google, v.2". OED Online. September 2012. Oxford University Press. 
http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/261961?rskey=0WuoDK&result=2 (accessed December 04, 2012). 
International Baccalaureate (May 2014). Middle years programme: From principles into practice. Cardiff, UK: 
Peterson House. 
Stripling, B. (2010). Teaching students to think in the digital environment: Digital literacy and digital inquiry. 
School Library Monthly 26(8). Retrieved December 4, 2012, from 
http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Stripling2010-v26n8p16.html 
Wright, A. (2009, February 23). Exploring a ‘Deep Web’ That Google Can’t Grasp. Ocala Star-Banner (FL) 
n.pag. Retrieved December 4, 2012, from NewsBank on-line database (Access World News) 
Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
Google Is a Verb. 
K.McKim@iaa.edu.jo 
Queen Rania Teacher Academy, Teacher Skills Forum, December 2014 
Kathleen McKim, Head of Libraries, The International Academy - Amman 
30

Google Is Not a Verb - IB Presentation

  • 1.
    Google Is Nota Verb! Is It? Queen Rania Teacher Academy, Teacher Skills Forum, December 2014 Kathleen McKim, Head of Libraries, The International Academy - Amman
  • 2.
    The Oxford EnglishDictionary Says… Google, v.2 Pronunciation: Brit. /ˈɡuːɡl/ , U.S. /ˈɡuɡ(ə)l/ Forms: also with lower-case initial. Etymology: < Google, a proprietary name for an Internet search engine launched in 1998. The name of the search engine was perhaps conceived as an alteration of googol n., with allusion to the large amount of information contained on the Internet. 1. intr. To use the Google search engine to find information on the Internet. 1998 L. Page New Features in eGroups (Electronic mailing list) 8 July, Have fun and keep googling! 2004 U.S. News & World Rep. 14 June 49/2 The couple found themselves Googling for a new place to live. 2007 Church Times 14 Dec. 25/3, I did find, when Googling around, that the second reference to the story was from an Islamic website. 2. trans. To enter (a search term) into the Google search engine to find information on the Internet; to search for information about (a person or thing) in this way. 2001 N.Y. Times 11 Mar. iii. 12/3, I met this woman last night at a party and I came right home and googled her. 2010 Daily Tel. 18 Oct. 29/5 Googling ‘breast pain’ came up with eight million. Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 3.
    Overview • WhyDoes It Matter? • Student as Inquirer • Approaches to Learning (ATL) • What is Google Good For? • What Options Do I Have? Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 4.
    Why Does ItMatter? 4
  • 5.
    IB Learner Profile 5 INQUIRERS We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 6.
    Approaches to Learning(ATL Skills) 6 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? Research Information Literacy Media Literacy
  • 7.
    If all youhave is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Which technology tool can best support the thinking processes and instructional strategies of that phase of inquiry? Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 8.
    Think/Pair/Share What aresome opportunities and some challenges of navigating in a Digital Research Culture? Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 9.
    Opportunities in aDigital Research Culture • Information available on practically anything that students 9 want to know • Multiple formats and languages • Levels from novice to expert • Natural language searching • Diverse formats • Diverse types, from opinion to research • One-stop information access • High engagement and participation • Collaboration and shared thinking Adapted from Stripling, 2010 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 10.
    Challenges in aDigital Research Culture • Too much information pressures students toward passive 10 acceptance of whatever they find to avoid an unending search • Information accepted if found quickly and easily; little in-depth probing • Lack of sequence and hierarchy in information (order has nothing to do with time, place, or even synchrony with researcher’s main idea) • Specific information with little or no contextualization • Pressure for speed • Environment favors access over reflection • Ability of individuals to post and publish leading to assumption of authority. Adapted from Stripling, 2010 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 11.
    What Can IGoogle? 11
  • 12.
    Questions for Google Adapted from Arment, 2011 I know this page exists, but I can’t remember the URL! • United Nations Data • Library of Congress American Memory Collection 12 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? I have a very specific, factual question. • How do you make a hard-boiled egg? • How deep is the Dead Sea at its lowest point?
  • 13.
    Questions for Google Adapted from Arment, 2011 13 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? I need to know how to… • Apply liquid eyeliner • Change a tyre I need product research, customer reviews, recommendations. • Crowne Plaza v. Marriott • Mercedes, BMW or Audi?
  • 14.
    Good or Bad?You Judge. Car Reviews: Websites
  • 15.
    Good or Bad?You Judge. Latest Sports News: Websites or Apps
  • 16.
    Good or Bad?You Judge. Population of Jordan: Library Homepage, Destiny Webpath Express, ProQuest SIRS Government Reporter, ProQuest SIRS WebSelect
  • 17.
    Good or Bad?You Judge. Non-Profits:Websites
  • 18.
    Good or Bad?You Judge. Abuse of women in KSA: Questia School, SIRS Issues Researcher
  • 19.
  • 20.
    Where Can WeSearch? • School Library Provided Digital Learning Environments • Databases • Primary Sources/Archives (Library of Congress, Europeana) • E-books (Project Gutenberg) • Media-specific Search Engines • Bing, Yahoo • Medical-specific searching (MEDLINE) • Legal Searches (FindLaw) • Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) • Google Art Project, Folger Shakespeare Digital Image 20 Collection Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 21.
    Your School Library 21 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 22.
  • 23.
    23 Google IsNot a Verb! Is It?
  • 24.
    24 Google IsNot a Verb! Is It?
  • 25.
    25 Google IsNot a Verb! Is It?
  • 26.
    Ready, Set, Begin! • Choose a partner in your grade level or academic subject 26 Google Is Not a Verb! Is It? area. • Choose one or two of the search engines that look interesting to you. • Chose a topic to research (one from one of your assignments or a topic you are very familiar with). • Research your topic in your chosen search engines. • Fill in the chart, and be prepared to share your results with the class.
  • 27.
    Findings 27 GoogleIs Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 28.
    AASL Standards Addressed 1.1 Skills 1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer 28 questions. 1.1.5 Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context. 1.2 Dispositions in Action 1.2.2 Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information. 1.2.7 Display persistence by continuing to pursue information to gain a broad perspective. 1.3 Responsibilities 1.3.2 Seek divergent perspectives during information gathering and assessment. Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 29.
    Bibliography American Associationof School Librarians. (2009). Standards for the 21st-century Learner. Chicago: ALA. Anderson, M.A. (2009). The power of primary sources. Multimedia & Internet @ Schools (n.v.): 35-38. Arment, M. (January 5, 2011). Google’s decreasingly useful, spam-filled web search. Marco.org. Retrieved 29 January 27, 2011, from http://www.marco.org/2617546197. Berger, P. (2010). Student inquiry and Web 2.0. School Library Monthly 26(5): 14-17. Burkhardt, J. and MacDonald, M. (2010). Teaching Information Literacy: 50 Standards-Based Exercises for College Students, 2nd ed. Chicago: ALA. Cohen, N. (31 Jan 2011). Define gender gap? Look up Wikipedia’s contributor List. New York Times.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012, from http://www.nytimes.com. Evangelista, B. (31 Oct 2012). Teachers call online search mixed bag. SFGate.com. Retrieved December 4, 2012, from http://www.sfgate.com/technology/article/Teachers-call-online-search-mixed-bag- 3998816.php. "Google, v.2". OED Online. September 2012. Oxford University Press. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/261961?rskey=0WuoDK&result=2 (accessed December 04, 2012). International Baccalaureate (May 2014). Middle years programme: From principles into practice. Cardiff, UK: Peterson House. Stripling, B. (2010). Teaching students to think in the digital environment: Digital literacy and digital inquiry. School Library Monthly 26(8). Retrieved December 4, 2012, from http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Stripling2010-v26n8p16.html Wright, A. (2009, February 23). Exploring a ‘Deep Web’ That Google Can’t Grasp. Ocala Star-Banner (FL) n.pag. Retrieved December 4, 2012, from NewsBank on-line database (Access World News) Google Is Not a Verb! Is It?
  • 30.
    Google Is aVerb. K.McKim@iaa.edu.jo Queen Rania Teacher Academy, Teacher Skills Forum, December 2014 Kathleen McKim, Head of Libraries, The International Academy - Amman 30

Editor's Notes

  • #6 “IB programmes emphasize ‘learning how to learn’, helping students interact effectively with the learning environments they encounter and encouraging them to value learning as an essential and integral part of their everyday lives” (IB, 2014, p. 10).