¶ … Students Use Google Instead of a Textbook
Using Google instead of textbook can have a diverse range of effects on students. This range consists of anything from helping the student to learn more by visiting several different sites that offer an extensive array of information on a given topic (more than a single textbook could offer) to making the research/reading about a topic that much easier and therefore encouraging laziness in the student (a quick perusal of Wikipedia, for instance, may be all the student wants to do -- but this is not always an accurate source for information). Thus, there are dangers regarding the effects of using Google instead of a textbook but there is also the opportunity to come into contact with a wide range of voices, opinions, perspectives and facts that a single text would not be able to offer. As always, it comes down to how the individual student chooses to use Google to facilitate his or her education. This paper will show the effects of using Google instead of a textbook that a student is likely to encounter.
Google is not just an easy way out of doing reading or research. It is instead like a gateway, which can be used for good or bad. If one is skilled at using Google the way that librarians are skilled at using a card catalogue system, one can implement keyword searches that will give links to various sites where information can be had. However, it takes a discerning student...
Not every student possesses this knowledge -- but this is not Google's fault. Google is simply a tool, and like any tool it requires skilled hands to use it efficiently and correctly.
Thus, the positive effects that Google can have on students who use it instead of a textbook are that 1) the student can be exposed to more than one viewpoint and can have the option of performing keyword searches that can effectively lead him/her to sites that contain useful information; 2) the student can acquire more knowledge about a specific topic as a result and come into contact with various media, whether print, video or audio, which can reinforce ideas; and 3) the student will, as a result (and depending on the amount of time given to usage), have a deeper appreciation for and understanding of the material under review.
However, unskilled students who do not perceive the dangers of using Google instead of a textbook could experience the following effects: 1) they might utilize information from sites that are unreliable and therefore be led into error about a specific topic; 2) they might take the "easy way" and go straight to Wikipedia for information, which is not always the best source and is less reliable than a textbook; 3) they may not be able to generate the right kind of searches for the topic and will…
