Google, not just a search engine

http://www.edudemic.com/2013/05/creative-ways-to-use-google-tools-to-maximize-learning/

I have learned a lot reading this article.  I had no idea the things Google had to offer.  Before this class, I didn't even know about Blogger.  I have definitely learned a ton already.  My two favorite things that Google Tools has to offer are the Image Dictionary and the Video Notes.  I am a visual and audial learner myself and I can see how both of these could be extremely helpful for so many people. 

The Image dictionary works just like the dictionary in Word except better.  Like in Word, when you want to know the definition of a word, you can right click it and click "look up" and it will give you the definition.  In the Google Image dictionary, not only would it give you the definition of the word, but also give you a picture.  Sometimes even the definition is hard to understand, and seeing what the word looks like could be very helpful in determining the actual meaning of the word.  For instance, the word Otter.  When you right click it in word, the definition is "any of 13 species of semiaquatic mammals, noted for their playful behavior, that belong to the weasel family." Well, that doesn't tell me much.  I know it is an animal, but I knew that before.  In Google's dictionary, you would get a picture of an otter.  This could help you understand the creature you are reading or writing about. 

As an online student I can see huge potential for the Video Notes tool from Google.  In my Geography class, my professor posts videos of the lessons.  I could use the video notes tool to take notes and it would time stamp in the video where I noted something, so I could go back to it later.  The video would play again where I made the note.  This is fantastic.  I would not need to watch the whole 30 min video again just to hear a 2 minute little segment that I needed.  The site does not say however, if you can use Video Notes like the Google Docs and have multiple people make notes on the video to share ideas.  I can see this being very helpful as well especially in an online class setting.  Since there is no actual conversations in online classes, forums and discussion boards are used.  This would be a wonderful change of pace and still have the sharing of thoughts and ideas with classmates.