Google finds links and the next steps for acquiring information and as I have mentioned they have taken over the world with this model. I use Google for almost everything that I do in the classroom. whether it is finding ideas, researching a topic, or using one of the apps for education. With that said I have been introduced to a new type of search engine called Wolframalpha.com
So what is the difference between Google and Wolfram Alpha. First of all Google is a search engine and Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine. Wolfram Alpha finds the answers and gives relevant and reliable information for whatever it is that you are looking for.
This video shows a quick overview of the what Wolfram Alpha can do.
Some of the things that I like about Wolfram Alpha are:
- There are specific categories- With specific categories you can find answers for a particular subject or category. For instance I wanted to compare Stephen Curry and Lebron James. Wolfram Alpha computes stats and information comparing the two that is quick, easy to understand, and relevant. Below is a quick snapshot of the comparisons between the two
- Wolfram Alpha is a computing engine and not just a search engine- The website computes formulas and other functions that help to solve equations for students taking upper level math and science. Wolfram Alpha can graph as well as compute.
Some of the concerns that I have with Wolfram Alpha are:
- Students could use this to answer their questions instead of learning the information.
- I also think that Wolfram Alpha can almost give you information overload. As always the technology needs to be taught to the student as well as the expectations of how to use the technology.
- You have to pay for the pro version of Wolfram Alpha
As always research the product in order to know how to use Wolfram Alpha best for you. I do think that Wolfram Alpha is a nice addition to Google and something that you will have to research
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