You can find good sites and specific online content for students through search engines and directories on the Web. A search engine offers the widest choice of information while directories focus more on specific topics. Many sites offer both options for searching.
A search engine, such as 'Google,' is a site on the Internet that searchers Web pages based on their titles, key words or full text. Directories, such as "Yahoo!" are similar to catalogues, where sites are reviewed, selected and then categorized by age and interests and usually provide a range of other services.
Many search engines and directories focus on kid-friendly information or filter out sites that are inappropriate for kids. Here is a list of some of the best on the Web.
Awesome Library
http://www.awesomelibrary.org
This non-commercial directory included more than 20,000 sites reviewed by educators. It has a translation service that lets visitors browse in several different languages.
Educational Software Directory
http://www.educational-software-directory.net
In this directory, volunteers have reviewed and organized more than 23,000 sites into 14 categories.
Great Web Sites for Kids
http://www.ala.org/greatsites
This American Library Association (ALA) directory includes links to online resources for fun and learning -- all reviewed and organized by children’s librarians.
KidsClick!
http://www.kidsclick.org
This non commercial directory lists more than 5000 Web sites hand-picked by librarians.
Canadian Kids Page
http://www.canadiankids.net/ck/default.jsp
Through this directory users can search hundreds of sites – particularly Canadian ones – by age and topic.
Ask for Kids
http://www.askforkids.com
A unique commercial search engine that allows kids to search by using questions as well as key words.
Tips for using kid-friendly search engines and directories
Kid-friendly search engines and directories are not foolproof and offer no guarantee that inappropriate or offensive content will not crop up during a search. They are also not responsible for where a child may end up once he or she leaves their site and starts moving through other Web pages.
If you use a directory, establish the identity of its creator -- is it an established authoritative organization? Check the directory’s criteria for choosing the sites in its index. If it is a commercial site, keep in mind that some sites may be included for marketing reasons.
Test several tools to find out which one works best for your students. Search sites offer different features, and each search tool offers a limited number of sites in its results, so use more that one search engine or directory.
Adult search engines with filters
Many of the major adult search engines now offer filtering options that help prevent inappropriate sites from appearing in a search.
Some of the most popular filtered search engines are:
Google
http://www.google.ca
Click “Preferences” to the right of the search box, then scroll down and choose a level for “SafeSearch Filtering” – strict or moderate.
AltaVista
http://ca.altavista.com
Click on “Settings” and then look for the “Family Filter” link
Alltheweb
http://www.alltheweb.com
The Alltheweb filter is enabled automatically. To turn off the filtering, see “Customize Preferences.”
WiseNut
http://www.wisenut.com
Click “Set Preferences” under the search box. Turn on “WiseWatch” at the bottom of the page to enable filtering.
Lycos
http://www.lycos.ca
Click on “Advanced Search” below the search box. Scroll down to “Adult Filter” to select your filtering level.
Tips for using search engines with filters
It's important to keep in mind that filtering options on search engines are not foolproof and often fail to block sites with objectionable content, while blocking good sites. Check the criteria the search engine uses to filter information and test the filtering options on several sites to decide which one is best for your students.
Get the Most Out of the Internet
Effective online searching | Kid-friendly search engines and directories | Technological tools (filters, monitors, etc.)
