May 2, 2008

Using boolean logic to improve search results: A graphical tool and curriculum

by Bob Lasiewicz, Managing Director, Crossroads of Learning
 
Conducting reasearch using on-line search engines such as Google is an important part of student work today. Without a knowledge of Boolean operators, the results that are returned can be mind-numbingly large. The Boolify Project has created a graphical interface and "safe" results tool along with curriculum (text and videos) to help your students understand the basic concepts.
 
From the website:
 
Librarians, teachers and parents have told us how hard it is for students to understand web searching. Boolify makes it easier to for students to understand their web search by illustrating the logic of their search, and by showing them how each change to their search instantly changes their results. It’s simple, immediate and is easy and flexible to use with your class, no matter the subject matter. Search results are presented through Google’s "Safe Search STRICT" technology, so we’re confident that the results your students receive are safe.
 
More Background:

Dede (2000) astutely remarked that “children must learn how to sift vast quantities of information through their fingertips” and “thrive on chaos”. In our lifetimes, the quantity of information available for sifting-through has increased exponentially. Yet, the tools for “teaching how to sift” have not maintained pace with the need for sifting. With this challenge in mind, the Boolify Project offers a piece of software that helps model Boolean operators. Its primary audience is Elementary and Middle School children, but it may find relevance with others. Ultimately, its goal is to increase learners’ ability to perform effective web searches. Just how will it accomplish this?
 
It is hypothesized that visual cues Boolify provides will help learners build a mental model of the search that they are performing. A mental model is an internal visualization that can be used to guide practice and, in the case of Boolify, the software helps make explicit and graphical the formation of their search. Of course, the mental model is visualized as puzzle pieces that fit together and provide real-time feedback to the learner about the efficacy of the search.
 
Dede, C. (2000, March). Emerging influences of information technology on school curriculum. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 32(2) 281-303. http://www.virtual.gmu.edu/ss_pdf/DedeJCS.pdf

Filed under: Academic Learning Centers,Home Schooling,Productivity,Research,Small Private Practices,Study Tools,Technology

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