Google+Flu+Trends

=[|Google Flu Trends]=

Google Flu Trends uses search information to make assumptions about where certain kinds of flues are located.

**Resources**

 * This [|page]shows the viewer how the tool works.
 * Google Flu Trends Site
 * http://www.google.org/flutrends/
 * Google Flu Trends Overview Video narrated by product manager, Dr. Roni Zeiger.
 * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6111nS66Dpk

Strengths

 * The site offers an interesting discussion on Google search habits and what can be learned from them. If accurate, the site can also allow educators to track certain flu epidemics and prepare.
 * Expanded to include 16 countries including Mexico (experimental), Canada, New Zealand, and much of Europe.
 * The site is available in 37 languages.
 * Google found a close relationship between how people search for flu-related topics and how many people actually have flu symptoms.
 * This method can track trends faster than places like the CDC which take days or weeks to collect and release data.
 * Google filters out terms that may be popular because of the media like “swine flu”.
 * Works in conjunction with the CDC.

Weaknesses

 * The science is relatively new, and may not be sound.
 * Not a perfect system. Most people are probably searching on flu terms are not sick but are seeking information- perhaps preventative information.

Opportunities

 * Use in math to read graphs and differentiate between the CDC and Google Trends data to see the effectiveness.
 * Predict when the flu is worst and in what parts of the world, and why this is so.

Threats
> Predict when the flu is worst and in what parts of the world, and why this is so.
 * Obviously, Google can use the information gleaned from the searches to target advertising sales. Have you ever noticed how the ads in Google gmail seem to reflect the content //in// your email?
 * Use in math to read graphs and differentiate between the CDC and Google Trends data to see the effectiveness.

Classroom use

 * Can be used as a geography tool.
 * Students can set up their own trend analysis using Google Insight for Search. They can query search and have an accurate model for real-world application.
 * Students can analyze why the flu spreads and how this can be avoided. Using this website students can make instructional videos or collaborate with students around the world on health-based lessons.