Now a lot of people may not be familiar with a Google a Day. However, it is very easy to use and fun as well! A Google a Day is a puzzle game provided by Google. The game provides you with a question and you must answer it. Although this seems easy, the majority of the time, the answer is not an obvious one. To answer the question, you use Google to search. Because the question can be a difficult, it may take a handful of searches to find the right answer. Therefore, the game teaches you effect searching and how to responsibly surf the internet. Not all website are reliable and during this activity that becomes clear. After each answered question, there is always a new one. You must use the search bar that Google provides you. This is because, many people have put the answers to the questions already on the internet. While we competed in small groups, I definitely found it to be very fun. I had never done this before and I found it to be interesting. Each person had different ideas and it was interesting to see who came up with a search that provided the answer. The game was also somewhat frustrating. I remember there was one question that my group spent most of the class trying to find the answer to. Each website we clicked on had the same information. Also, every search query that we came up with provided most of the same websites. Before, I didn't realize that the way I word a question in Google makes all the difference. It is really important to use effective language so that you can find the answer. Even the way that you place words in a sentence can make a huge difference. Overall, I learned that searching for something specific isn't all that easy. It is the way you word your query that can help you find the answer faster.
When sifting among websites, It is important to remember three significant words: Accuracy, Authenticity, and Reliability. Accuracy is making sure that the website is not only correct, but true. If the website isn't true, then it is useless. Authenticity has to do with whether or not the website is original and does what it says it is going to do. In other words, whether or not the website is genuine. Reliability relates to whether or not the publisher or author of the cite is trustworthy. You can ask yourself the question, "Can I rely on the information given?". In class, we researched a website about the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus. At first glance, it was evident that this website was basically a lie. The Northwest Tree Octopus is simply a hoax. The last time the website was even updated was in 2012/2013. Now, with something like this it is hard to believe that it wouldn't be updated often. Although the website gives a name, Lyle Zapato, my group couldn't find any information on this man. Also, the writing on the website was very rude and sarcastic. On the FAQ page, someone asked, "How much of the profits from this website go to supporting and saving the species?" In which the reply was, "Tree Octopuses don't need your money. They need your love and willingness to write angry letters to the editor demanding action." The website is authentic because it is doing what it says its going to, raising awareness for the tree octopus. However, it is not accurate or reliable.
Link to a Google a Day: http://www.agoogleaday.com/#game=started
Link to The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus: http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/
Citation: http://quantumbiologist.wordpress.com/2011/01/28/the-fish-that-climb-trees/
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