Mapping Activity

Before conducting the mapping activity in class, I would just type in google and then manually search for what I was looking for. Sometimes it would be a very quick search, and other times it would take forever because I would have to check out each site in depth. I never really used any other engines. I never realized that there were techniques that could help me to search, and did not even know some of the things that could help me to determine if the information on a site is credible. Many times I would become very frustrated because it just seemed as though there had to be a better way to search, yet I did not know what it was. It was interesting to find that there are sites out there that can help you determine the author of a web site as well. Overall, my experience was not great, time consuming, and sometimes frustrating.

I think that my habits will change significantly when searching thanks to this assignment. I am more comfortable with a number of search engines, such as yahoo and Bing now. I was nervous to try these sites before because I was just used to google. I was aware that many sites do not have correct information posted, or may be from a questionable source. I did not realize that there could be easier ways to determine if information can be used as opposed to painstakingly looking up the information detail by detail. Upon first inspection of the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus site, it could seem to be somewhat credible, especially to a child. However, it is obviously a hoax and just researching information on the site, as well as the author proves as much. Having a wealth of knowledge about searching will help me as a teacher. If I expect for my students to use search engines to research assignments, I myself need to make sure that I have all the correct information needed to teach the students this important skill. I believe that my future students will be better equipped in technology, simply because I, their teacher, will be better informed. 

Overall, I believe that my history with using search engines is very poor. There was a lot of information that I had no clue about. I am sure that many times I may have thought information to come from a credible source, when in reality it was not. By being informed on the proper way to search, how to find credible authors and information, as well as dissecting the site that I am looking for, I can make sure that I am learning correct information as well as sharing correct information.  Being a teacher is a huge responsibility. My students will learn the things that I teach them. In today's fast paced technological society, it is pertinent that I keep myself updated so that I can make sure my students are as well. I can not imagine teaching my students something that is incorrect, or not being able to answer any questions they may have.

Zapato, K. (1998, March 8). Pacific northwest tree octopus. Retrieved from http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/