Google+Similar+Images

Google Similar Images
 * Resources links and/or class examples:
 * Google Similar Images:http://similar-images.googlelabs.com/
 * Tech Crunch: http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/20/google-similar-images-first-look/
 * The Official Google Blog: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/hard-at-play-in-google-labs-with.htm


 * Strengths:
 * This tool is free
 * Easy to use - search box provided
 * Shows a numerous amount of images of the topic you are looking for.
 * Search for images that are similar using other images instead of words
 * Examples provided including: places, celebrities, art, shopping, and nature
 * Once you receive a page of images, you can click under the image to receive even more similar images and/or related items.


 * Weaknesses:
 * Categories can be very broad and there might be problems trying to locate a specific image
 * Some images are of poor quality
 * Some images might not have anything to do with your topic. For example, if you search for Paris, you will also get photos of Paris Hilton
 * Some websites and applications might not support the file extension of specific images


 * Opportunities:
 * This tool provides you with other images that you might not have thought of before completing the search
 * This tool would be helpful for students with special needs
 * Children of all ages are able to use Google Similar Images (GSI) when they have difficulty expressing in words the image they are specifically searching for.


 * Threats:
 * Some images might not be appropriate for children
 * Teachers and students might post images that violate copyright laws
 * May be difficult to monitor and/or block images from children when searching.


 * Ideas for the classroom:
 * Students could use this tool for a research project to find a variety of images on their topic
 * Students could use this tool to compare and contrast images
 * Students could use this tool to discuss what types of images they found and explain how and why they are similar