Google Blocked??

[mathking]

As a HS computer science teacher, I think blocking google for a little while is an excellent educational tactic. Too many students, no too many people, today are very good at finding information but not nearly so good at evaluating that information. Learning how to use databases is an important skill. Google is a fantastic starting point for finding information. As is wikipedia. For simple stuff one of those two is pretty much always how I start.

But when you are looking for information with any level of sophistication and/or subjectivity, you really need to learn to use databases so you can find information with more reliability. I use wikipedia all the time. Its power derives from its open nature, but that nature means that for a lot of information, you need to dig a little deeper. WAY too many people of all ages just accept what they read and hear as the truth. When they first learn about a controversial subject, they tend to settle on the first information they find as correct. If you want an example, try using just google and wikipedia and tell me what caused the civil war.

Furthermore, good databases allow you to use really powerful techniques to find exactly the right information. Everyone who uses computers should know how to use them.

[mechanicalbrain]

OK their is tons of great suggestions here but another, that's slightly against the rules but definitely going to make them more aware (so try the others first and I don't actually recommend this. Its theoretical), is to change the IP address of the computer. I have the exact same problem with my school blocking gmail. I would like to know though what blocking Google accomplishes. Since Ive started working toward my CCNA Ive truly come to appreciate how amazingly usefully Google is when it comes to diagnosing problems.

[karinka13]

thanks everyone.

see...our school has all these databases and stuff, and trust me, i KNOW theyre expensive. why? because we pay for them, even though we dont have a say in it and our parents arent exactly informed. i just think its a little bit messed up.

[sanddrag]

Institutions quite often spend money in the most confusing (and not the smartest) ways. It's a fact of life.

[Madison]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

Institutions quite often spend money in the most confusing (and not the smartest) ways. It's a fact of life.

As someone who lived in a library's 'technology center' for two years or so, I can attest to the usefullness of many of the databases that are available. Simply put, Google often cannot give you access to the large volume of traditionally published works that touch on every subject imaginable. Google is great for common knowledge, but when you get into the nitty gritty of true research, the databases are unmatched in their quality.

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by karinka13

thanks everyone.

see...our school has all these databases and stuff, and trust me, i KNOW theyre expensive. why? because we pay for them, even though we dont have a say in it and our parents arent exactly informed. i just think its a little bit messed up.

Since the blockage is for a limited time, they are obviously trying to make an educational point. Just like the Information and Computer Science dept at my college did when they made everybody write at least one major program on punch cards. At least they did until the readers wore out and they couldn't get parts anymore. I got lots of tips from my dad on how to handle punchcards. He started programming in the early 60's, boy could he stack a deck!

So go out and learn something new, even if it is old. Co-operate in this and you'll get much more out of it. Cheat and you are only cheating yourself.

[Josh363663]

Ask.com is blocked because of the binocular function googlr.com is google england so usually yuo can use that for images

[Pavan Dave]

I believe CD's ToS was modded to where you can not post loopholes to get past school filters and things along those lines (Reference Scroll down to Brandon's comment) and if you didn't notice, this thread is from 2005...

That said a Slashdot article [today] talks about the "Google Generation" and how it has changed the way we search. Link to /. article.

Enjoy!

[lukevanoort]

Hmm, this thread is over three years old.... wow my grammar and spelling sucked back then. I imagine nowadays schools have probably realized the value of Google, and have started coming up with inane reasons for blocking Wikipedia instead.

[Pavan Dave]

Originally Posted by lukevanoort

Hmm, this thread is over three years old.... wow my grammar and spelling sucked back then. I imagine nowadays schools have probably realized the value of Google, and have started coming up with inane reasons for blocking Wikipedia instead.

There is a very valid reason. There are inappropriate pictures on some of the pages and anyone can put anything on any page (almost) whether it be pictures or comments. That is why my district has blocked Wikipedia.

I may not agree with it, but I understand why. Liability is a big deal in America especially NOW. ...