Web Searching for Elementary School Children
Allowing elementary children to search using regular search engines such as Google or AltaVista is generally not appropriate. Even if their access to the Internet is limited by a content filter such as BESS or WebSense, the returns to their queries are questionable. The filters may allow some controversial content, or allow too many returns for children to sift. Using the "family filter" feature that some engines provide either blocks out almost everything or let through too many controversial sites. Internet Explorer and AOL have filters, but both prove not to work too well. The as Content Advisor on Microsoft's Internet Explorer blocks out virtually everything of use, AOL's Kids Only filter occasionally allows through some controversial sites.
An excellent web site to introduce web searching to upper elementary school students is: Kid's Click! World of Web Searching at http://www.worldsofsearching.org/ project of the Ramapo Catskill Library System, funded by Federal Library Services and Technology Act funds awarded to The New York State Library by the Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
If students are allowed
to search the Internet, consider having them use kid friendly search directories
instead of search engines. And, librarians and teachers should perform the searches
ahead of time to preview the results.
Kid friendly subject directories:
Kids Click!
Searchopolis (the search feature defaults to Yahooligans)
Copyright 2001, Barbara A. Jansen.
Librarian/Technology Coordinator,
St. Andrew's Episcopal High School, Austin, TX.
Lecturer, The Graduate School of Library & Information Science,
The University of Texas at Austin.