Project #15

Search Engines

1. Wolfram Alpha

Wolfram Alpha is a search engine that introduces a new way to get knowledge and answers, but it is more commonly known a computational knowledge engine. It says it is not done by searching the web, but by doing computations based on a vast collection of built-in data, algorithms, and methods. This engine gives the actual answers instead of leading you to other websites for the answers, it's all in one! Wolfram Alpha, I believe, is one everyone can use for a little leeway when we're stuck on a problem involving a formula. I do feel though, it can be relied on too often. I see it could be used more for typing the problem in just to receive answers, and not learn from the step by step instructions following.

2. Fact Monster

Fact Monster is "an ideal reference site for kid's ages 8-14 that provides entertainment and educational resources." It combines the contents of several sources such as a dictionary, almanac, encyclopedia, and atlas' which provides statistics, facts, and historical records. Compared to other search engines, it allows you to search them all at once. When you type in the search bar, it'll pull up different options from different sources to choose from, or you can choose from one of the four sources listed above. Overall, this would be more helpful for a research project for middle schoolers or for a more kid friendly version of a search.

3. Dog Pile

Dogpile is a search engine "powered by Metaseach technology, Dogpile returns all the best results from leading search engines, such as Google and Yahoo!, so you can find what you're looking for faster." Dogpile uses the method of choosing the most relevant to your search, removes duplicates, and presents them to you in seconds. It compiles all of the best results in one place, quickly and easily. This search engine would be best for anyone who likes the leading search engines, but it's more refined. It could be good to use for anyone, especially researching something broad.

4. Infotopia

Infotopia is "an academic search engine accessing only trusted websites previously selected by librarians, teachers and the library." It is recommended for students, teachers and also homeschoolers.  It is used to look up any subject at any time on the top line of the website, as well as search anything academical you would like. This could, again, be used for research papers in any topic or just in general. I feel this would be a good engine to use in my classroom when I become an educator because it includes tabs on literature and language.

5. Kayak

The search engine, Kayak, is mainly used for those traveling. It compares hundreds of travel sites at once which makes it easier to refine a search. You can also book anything on there once you find something that suits your travel needs, including: hotels, maps, and packaging deals. There is also a way to check flight and travel times on Kayak. This is not really a search engine to use in the classroom, but it is helpful for a vacation when it could be much needed or appreciated. Overall, a great engine for travelers.

6. Ask.com

Ask.com's mission is to provide answers across the globe for anyone at anytime. This website is a huge search engine meant for questions that link to, once searched, different search engines who have the answers to the questions. It is often meant to be used by someone who has a specific question and doesn't want a general answer from leading search engines. It is not the best source academically, but generally, it is great.

7. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a search engine that allows users to search more privately and to get answers quicker. It's said to be "more than just servers and an algorithm." It has help from the community. DuckDuckGo has a very simple layout with the search bar and one button leading to a layout menu if you have further questions on the website. I appreciate that it is more private and clutter-free because there are less distractions. This can and could be helpful for any researcher.

8. Yahoo!

Yahoo! is similar to leading search engines such as Google and Bing. It is helpful all the way around when it comes to news, questions, weather, finance, sports, etc. Often people use Yahoo for their emails or just like any other popular search engine. When you type into the search bar what you are searching for, it pulls up different links in seconds for the researcher to interact with. This website is helpful for anyone, maybe even if you want a different view than Google or Bing.