Module+8+-+Cool+Tools

Computational Databases Wolfram Alpha Alissa Phillips & Keith Thomas

1. Introduction a. Wolfram Alpha – Computational Database b. Not a search engine, it actually answers questions c. Helpful for a classroom because it helps find the information without forcing students to look through documents and verifying their validity d. What is Wolfram Alpha? Video [] 2. Learning the site a. Input field – anything you want to know about b. Assumptions – different interpretations, narrows question i. Example – orange c. Formulas may appear if numbers are involved i. Example – car loan, mortgage $200,000 d. Input information – the interpretation of your search or question e. Related finds – similar to subject you are searching f. Definition and Notes – help analyze what you are searching for g. Sources – know where the information came from h. Leave Feedback about queries 3. Becoming a member a. Sign up using your UA email and a password b. Ability to add widgets and apps c. Can save images like charts and image inputs that have been edited d. Can set as your homepage and customize it e. Save queries f. Analyze Facebook with reports g. Share queries h. See history, favorites, and previous uploads 4. Cool things to try a. Randomize an input b. Examples of inputs c. Images on main page may be history related or something interesting d. Upload files and pictures or data to be analyzed e. Extended keyboard with Greek alphabet and equation symbols f. Connect to other social media 5. Conclusion a. Safer way for students to get reliable information without surfing the web b. Good way to explore students’ imaginations by allowing them to input whatever they can thing of c. Teachers can analyze files and pictures and edit them for class

Cool Tools Reflection

The purpose of Module 8 is to introduce new and exciting websites to the class in order to enhance the class's knowledge of technology. Keith and I did a presentation on the computational database Wolfram Alpha.

It is important to continue learning about new technologies because eventually students will know more than teachers about the latest websites and programs. Educators need to keep their classes exciting by introducing interesting ideas and concepts. Wolfram Alpha is very useful because it is not like any other search engine, it gives answers.

I will use Wolfram Alpha in my classroom by allowing students to search for chemical elements, facts about organisms, heights of mountains, depths of oceans, etc. Students should be able to access facts without having to sort through search results for reliable sources. Wolfram Alpha provides the sources as well as many variations of the answer.