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Google Jockeying
What is it? 
Google jockeying is a method of presentation in which a participant in a class surfs the Internet for terms, ideas, examples, and websites mentioned during a presenters lecture. The searching takes place concurrently with the lecture and the query results are shown on a projection screen to the class. Typically, the results of the Google jockeying are displayed on a separate screen than the materials that may be shown by the instructor. For example, if the instructor is showing slides there will be two screens - one for the slides and one for the results of the Google jockeying. Although the term "Google jockeying" refers to a particular search engine, any search engine can achieve similar results.
Google Jockeying
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Computer Skills
- Helps students to refine internet search skills and gives instructors the ability to see areas in which students are lacking search skills.
Garnering Attention
- Participation in Google jockeying can engage and capture the attention of students.
Interactivity
- Changes the unidirectional approach of a lecture to a class activity.
Presentation
- May influence the direction of the lecture based on the reaction of the class to the results of the Google jockeying; for example if the query results spark interest in a particular branch of a topic.
Google Jockeying
How do I get started?
- Google Jockeying will usually require two projectors. One for the lecturers presentation materials (such as a PowerPoint), and one for the results of the Google Jockeying.
- Typically one student is selected to be the Google Jockey during the lecture.
- The Jockey performs Web searches on a computer that is connected to the internet and to a projector.
- The Web searches are to directly relate to the materials presented by the lecturer. Such searches may include Web sites that offer examples and resources related to the content.
- Some searches may be scripted if the instructor wishes for the students to view specific resources. However, usually the searches are free-form...
- Another window open in the Google Jockeying session will allow for the Jockey to record the resources that were most effective and allows for the instructor and students to make search suggestions.
Google Jockeying
Where can I learn more?
- Google Jockeying PDF: A two page PDF outlining seven things you should know about google jockeying.
- Google Jockeying - search engines in the classroom: An article discussing the pros and cons of google jockeying.
- Mediawiki - Google Jockeying: A detailed description of google jockeying.
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