Effectively Using Search Engines and Online Word Processing Apps

This week our class is taking a closer look at the various search engines and web based word processing applications available today. Once again, I started this week thinking this would be familiar territory, only to find out through the exercises and assignments that I had a lot to learn!

I began my week looking into the various search engines out there and what makes each stand out in the crowd. I use Google as my staple when it comes to conducting web searches. I have never been one to do much to refine my searches because I have been pretty lucky in finding what I need rather easily. Sure, I would have a bajillion responses to my query, but I didn't necessarily see that as a problem. The time I put into this aspect of my work this week has been quite enlightening. I now understand that there are so many search engines out there because each takes a unique approach to databases searched and how the searches are conducted. It is important to evaluate the purpose of your search before you begin in order to choose a search engine that will be the most efficient tool to get the job done. I also developed a much more in-depth understanding of Boolean searches and the purpose behind proper phrasing, right down to knowing when it is appropriate to use capital letters. When there is thought put into selecting the appropriate search engine and phrasing, the results are more refined and it makes the whole process more effective.

Another focus of our work this week was related to the use of online word processing applications. Since beginning this cohort in September, I have had some experience in the arena of online word processing through the use of Google Docs. While I have found that I can use it when I'm forced to do so, I continue to be more comfortable with Microsoft Word. I looked into a couple of other online word processing applications, ThinkFree and Zoho Writer. These, like Google Docs, have familiar interfaces which would make it an easy transition from Word. I like the sharing and collaborating features that are supported through online word processing applications. I also believe it is the direction schools and businesses will eventually take when it comes to working on collaborative/cooperative projects that include word processing. I think as these online applications continue to evolve and improve more people will take the leap from their desktop applications to the cloud based apps.

I will continue to introduce these ideas and applications into the work I do. Since I'm not in a classroom, I won't necessarily use what I've learned in the context of working directly with students, but I will apply the strategies and tools to improve my own productivity. It will be through my own experiences, and how I apply what I learn, that I will be able to hopefully demonstrate more effective processes that my team at work will want to adopt!