To Google or Not to Google

When is it ok for kids to use Google for Internet research? This has been a debate among some of my colleagues, lately. Our school policy is not to allow our K-3 students to partake in Google searches without an adult present (preferably the adult searches ahead of time, too.) But...many students do it at home, most of the time unsupervised. There is also a copyright issue when using Google. How many times have you seen a child find a great picture on Google, copy and paste it into their assignment, and IF it has been cited...it says http://www.google.com/? Another issue I have with youngsters searching on Google is they do not have the ability to differentiate valid from invalid research. The reading levels present another problem. So...what and how should it be done? I prefer that students are taught how to search using kid friendly search engines such as NetTrekker, Quintura, and KidsClick. These sites can be used to allow young students to safely search for items they can read. NetTrekker (paid site) even has a "read to the student" function. When students are old enough to understand reliable sources, then lessons should be taught on this topic. KidsClick has a page with lessons on searching. The safe search should be activated on any computer that children are using, but with the understanding that filters aren't perfect. This is, of course, my opinion. I am a believer in responsible, safe, valuable, readable, age appropriate searching!

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