When searching for a digital tool that would enhance internet safety, I chose to consult a popular Facebook group, “Not so Wimpy Fifth Grade Teachers.” This is a group of fifth grade teachers like myself from all over the country that want to share ideas. It is a great resource for lessons and projects, creative teaching strategies, and advice. While reading, I noticed that many teachers recommended "Kiddle" as a reliable search engine for students. I decided to check it out!
The purpose of Kiddle is to provide a safe and secure search engine for kids. Kiddle is very similar in look and style to Google, but Kiddle includes built-in filters to protect children from being exposed to inappropriate content. Students can search any topic on Kiddle in the same manner as they would Google, Yahoo, or Bing. One benefit of Kiddle is that results are filtered by a team of editors that ensure the results are kid-friendly and easy to understand. Another benefit is that Kiddle search results are displayed in larger font and include several lines from the article as well as over-sized thumbnails so that kids can easily preview each link. Kiddle does not require much internet experience - students simply type the topic in the search box. Even if a topic is misspelled, Kiddle filters are typically able to produce the correct results.
As part of my research, I even "tested" the filters by searching for a topic that was not "school appropriate." Thankfully, I received an "ERROR" message each time my search was inappropriate. Kiddle applies the same safety measures with images, videos, and news results.
This tool meets the Alabama Digital Literacy Standard #19 - Collaborative Research. This standard states that students should "conduct advanced keyword searches to produce valid, appropriate results and evaluate
results for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness.
Examples: Search techniques, check for credibility and validity." (Alabama Digital Literacy Standards, page 30) I would absolutely implement this search engine in my classroom. I love the assurance that my students not only have access to kid-friendly, relevant content, but are also protected from being exposed to anything harmful. I strongly recommend that all teachers use Kiddle when conducting research in their lessons - I cannot wait to use it myself!
Michelle, this tool is amazing. I can't wait to try it with my 2nd graders. Research is so fun to do in the classroom but there is always that worry of what are the students going to see, which is very scary.
ReplyDeleteKiddle will take the worry away when I'm working with other students and can't be right there with the students who are working online.
Thank you for sharing this great tool with us.
#EED509PEModule
Wow! I didn't know there were search engines for children. We need this at school. You did a great job on your blog and post! It looks terrific! #EED509PEModule
ReplyDeleteThank you for this review! I had never heard of Kiddle, but I am definitely noting it as something to use in my classroom and recommend to parents when we have to conduct research. It will give me such peace of mind knowing that my little learners can use this search engine that has been designed for them and their safety! #EED509PEModule
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