Instagrok - A New Kid-Friendly Search Engine

When researching with young children, I typically utilize a Symbaloo to organize sites by different topics and to make access easy. Symbaloos are simple to create and edit, and are easy to pull up both on computers as well as the iPads. Just last week, the first grade students launched their individual research on ocean animals using sites provided on Symbaloo to get started. Here is the link to my page: http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/ldcomputerlab

Fourth grade students, on the other hand, begin practicing their own searching skills to learn about individual states during colonial times. Rather than using Google, which is really geared more toward adults, I introduced students to several more kid-friendly search engines. Some of my favorites include Kid Rex, Boolify, and Quintera for Kids. I also started to use a new search tool called Instagrok.

What makes Instagrok different is how it utilizes both a visual and traditional interface to help kids see connections between topics and ideas. Kids are able to customize their search and even share their results with others. Searches can also be saved for later reference. Check it out at www.instagrok.com