Saturday, November 14, 2009

Google Flu Shot Finder

This new service is called the Google Flu Shot finder, and also uses Google Maps, and although it can give you information of flu vaccine clinics, it cannot yet say for sure whether or not the vaccines are still available at the clinics listed. Basically, Google does not know if a clinic runs out of the vaccines or not. It also does not have all vaccination locations listed yet, and is still compiling all the data for this. The new service is still in its beginning stages, but kudos to Google for already launching it, even though the information available is not yet complete. Surely, having whatever information is already there will help millions of people who are looking for the swine flu vaccine in their area.

From Google Tutor

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Google Safe Search

Just found this on my Google Tutor
http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/locking-safesearch.html
When you're searching on Google, we think you should have the choice to keep adult content out of your search results. That's why we developed SafeSearch, a feature that lets you filter sexually explicit web sites and images from your search results. While no filter is 100% accurate, SafeSearch helps you avoid content you may prefer not to see or would rather your children did not stumble across. We think it works pretty well, but we're always looking for ways to improve the feature.

Today we're launching a feature that lets you lock your SafeSearch setting to the Strict level of filtering. When you lock SafeSearch, two things will change. First, you'll need to enter your password to change the setting. Second, the Google search results page will be visibly different to indicate that SafeSearch is locked:


Even from across the room, the colored balls give parents and teachers a clear visual cue that SafeSearch is still locked. And if you don't see them, it's quick and easy to verify and re-lock SafeSearch.

To use SafeSearch lock, go to the "Search Settings" page on Google.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Brainy Flix

Just as they did earlier this year, Brainyflix is holding a student vocabulary contest. In the prior contest students were asked to create videos in which they demonstrated the meaning of SAT vocabulary words. In the current contest which runs from now through December 7, students are asked to create BrainyPics flashcards containing images that demonstrate the meaning of vocabulary words. Students can create their BrainyPics flashcards using the simple BrainyPics flashcard builder.

The contest will award iTunes credit each week and a grand prize of $200 to the winner on December 7. Each week five BrainyPics will be chosen for the finals. Students can enter as many times as they like. You can read the full contest rules here.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

New GCT's

Application now open for GTA DC, December 9th, 2009.
Apply by midnight on November 9th, 2009.
http://www.google.com/educators/gta.html

The Google Teacher Academy is a FREE professional development
experience designed to help K-12 educators get the most from
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where participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products
and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional
strategies, receive resources to share with colleagues, and immerse
themselves in an innovative corporate environment. Upon completion,
Academy participants become Google Certified Teachers who share what
they learn with other K-12 educators in their local region.