Sunday, July 15, 2012


Today I researched Google Custom Search.  Google Custom Search is a search engine that allows web developers to feature specialized information in web searches and create customized search engines, based on Google Web Search.  When creating a Google Custom Search, you need to specify sites that you would like to include in your search engine.  Once you've created your list of sites to search, you can test your new engine and preview search results.  If you are happy with the results, then you can simply cut and paste the code onto your website.  If you don't like what you see, then you can further tweak the sites or delete the search engine altogether.  You can also play with the look and feel of the search box to make it fit into your site. 


PROS:

  • Allows parents/teachers to monitor sites that students browse.
  • Best for a search covering multiple sites.
  • Since the search is more specialized, you are more likely to find the information quicker.
CONS:
  • Requires CSE setup and a Gmail account for administration.
As a teacher who teaches students in the non-public schools, my students would not really benefit from this custom search since they do not have access to the internet.  Therefore, I would use this search engine to direct parents and general education teachers to sites that will help them better understand and research learning disabilities.  I might also direct parents to sites that describe the laws and rights of students with disabilities, and sites that help them navigate the world of special education.