Thing #12

Google is my go-to search engine and I've never even looked above the search bar, but there it is the "more" tab and a list of options drops down and of course I pick Google Books first... When you first click on "books" you're directed to a search page "Searching for a topic?" In the search bar I type The Iliad and I get 1,830,000 result..well okay how is this different then regular old Google? And then I see "My Library" on the left side bar and click. There in a neat little account any Google book I've purchased, any book available to "READ NOW," my favorites, what I'm reading now, what I plan on reading..and now I realize Google books is actually an interactive book club where you can see what other people or reading or read reviews and thoughts about any book and people can read yours. This would be a great way to show parents what we are currently reading in class and have planned to read for class; maybe they'll want to follow along and surprise their son or daughter with a little dinner time trivia! Google Translate was my next choice. Simply click on the "more" tab and select translate. I love how simple this tool because it will allow my students to translate any of the literary pieces we're working on. It is not uncommon to have French, Spanish, Latin, or German phrases in a classical piece of literature or poetry. Students can use Google Translate to better understand the literature being covered in class.