Google has had a massive impact on the way students learn. By integrating its AI technology into everyday tools like Google Classroom, Google Docs, and Google Search, Google has created a digital environment that allows students to access information quickly and easily. With the help of artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistants, students have unprecedented access to educational resources and are able to get personalised lessons tailored specifically to their learning style. Additionally, Google’s AI-driven technologies have enabled new methods of teaching, such as flipped classrooms and gamified learning. All of these factors have helped to make education more easily accessible, inexpensive, and engaging for students.

Previous Researches

Research into the impacts of search engines on our brains is limited, even though technology is becoming increasingly influential in our lives. The results of existing research are sometimes uncertain. While some advocates for technology claim that access to information gives us more cognitive capacity to participate in more creative activities like in previous generations, existing research provides unsupportive evidence. A British Library study that was conducted in 2008 determined that youth consume data online quickly without evaluating its accuracy. Furthermore, a 2011 paper in Science suggested that when people know they can find relevant data in the future, they tend to remember how to locate the data better than remembering it.

How has Google changed the way we think?

Google is a powerful tool that can be used to quickly find answers to almost any inquiry. It uses a sophisticated algorithm to provide users with results, which gives the feeling of assistance always being close by. In addition, Google’s structure is mirrored on social media sites, further heightening the sense that there’s an answer to any and all queries.

A recent study from Columbia University suggests that, instead of trying to remember information, we now just Google it. This phenomenon is referred to as transactive memory, meaning that we remember where to get the information instead of having to remember it ourselves. This process has been around for a while, but the introduction of various search engines has made it much easier. Now, instead of consulting people for answers, we can just turn to the internet. Thanks to the invention of smartphones and personal assistants like Siri, finding answers is now even easier than before; all you have to do is say the words and you’ll have your answer in no time. However, it still remains to be seen if this process of quickly finding information actually helps with learning.

How Google Impacts The Way Students Think?

  • Google allows students to access the power of AI to source information quickly, fueling their curiosity.
  • AI tools such as search engines offer suggestions and auto-complete to help students navigate complex topics more efficiently than ever before.
  • AI can provide personalised learning recommendations tailored to each student’s interests and abilities.
  • AI can reduce cognitive load by creating an individualised learning experience with intelligent task completion.
  • Google provides students with a collaborative environment for working together on projects and assignments.
  • The Google suite of tools allows students to communicate easily, share files quickly, and even host video calls without needing to install specialised software.
  • Students can access the same documents from a variety of devices – laptops, tablets, or phones – making it easier for them to collaborate with their peers on the go.
  • Google offers students access to a vast array of digital sources, providing quick and easy access to important research materials.
  • AI-based search tools enable students to quickly narrow down their online research materials to specific topics and sources.
  • Google Scholar allows users to filter results based on credibility, date, relevance, and more, helping students hone in on the best material for their assignment.

Google – Supporter or Distractor?

Instead of just looking up any answer to any question online without questioning its accuracy, students need to find ways to improve their critical thinking skills. Experts from CDR Writers Australia suggest that the easy availability of information online has had a negative effect on students’ learning growth. Others believe that people rely more on Google than their own memory when it comes to retaining knowledge. However, there are still other academics who think that the ability to access information on the go has actually discouraged people from making an effort to memorise it.

The key role of Google in academics

The increased use of Google technology, such as Chromebooks and applications, in education has made it simpler for students to do their homework and projects digitally. Teachers have also found it easier to manage tasks, as they can review work submitted online. However, Google’s access to children’s data due to this ‘Googlification’ of classrooms needs to be considered. This includes tracking their searches, ads they interact with, emails sent and images downloaded. While Google may appear to be offering laptops and free software, it could be creating future customers in the process (Koppel, 2019).

Schools all around the world are taking advantage of Google’s powerful technology to meet their specific needs. Here are some Google apps that can be useful for educational purposes: Google Classroom, Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Sites, Google Drive, and Gmail. These tools allow students and educators to stay organised by providing a secure place for storing, organising, and accessing academic assignments, documents, and notes from anywhere. In addition, Gmail can be used to send and receive emails related to academic activities.

Google is a great tool for students to use in learning. It provides instant access to a variety of information, allowing students to gain knowledge quickly and easily. Google also provides an array of educational tools and apps that have been developed specifically for students to help them learn.

On the other hand, relying too heavily on Google can be detrimental to learning. Students can become reliant on Google to provide answers and this could lead to the development of lazy research skills. It can also make it easier for students to plagiarise work as they can simply copy and paste information from the internet.