Google News

Media Literacy
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Google News was created by Krishna Bharat in 2002 as a response to the challenges of finding accurate and up-to-date news online following the 9/11 attacks. Bharat, a distinguished computer scientist with a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech, aimed to create a platform that aggregates news from various sources, providing users with a comprehensive and unbiased view of current events. Google News now serves millions of users worldwide and has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach to news aggregation, including a Webby Award and recognition from the Online News Association.

Differentiation: What Makes It Special

Google News stands out in the realm of news aggregation due to its use of advanced algorithms that curate stories from a vast array of sources. This ensures that users receive a balanced perspective on any given topic, a crucial feature for homeschooling parents who want to expose their children to diverse viewpoints. The platform’s ability to personalize news feeds based on user preferences and browsing history further enhances its utility, making it a unique tool for customized learning experiences.

How to Get Started

Getting started with Google News is straightforward. Simply visit the Google News website or download the app on your smartphone or tablet. Users can sign in with their Google account to personalize their news feed. For homeschooling, parents can create specific sections on topics relevant to their curriculum, such as science, history, or current events, ensuring that their children receive tailored content that complements their educational goals.

How It Works: Using It as a Homeschooling Program

To use Google News effectively in a homeschooling setup:

  1. Create Custom Sections: Parents can create sections focused on educational topics.

  2. Set Up Alerts: Set up Google Alerts for specific topics to get notified about new articles.

  3. Daily Reading: Incorporate daily news reading sessions into the homeschool schedule.

  4. Discussion and Analysis: Use news articles as a basis for discussion, critical thinking exercises, and written analysis.

  5. Project-Based Learning: Assign projects based on current events to deepen understanding and engagement.

What Educational Concepts It Teaches

  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing diverse news sources encourages critical evaluation.

  • Current Events Awareness: Keeps students informed about global events.

  • Media Literacy: Understanding different types of news sources and biases.

  • Research Skills: Finding and cross-referencing information.

  • Writing and Communication: Summarizing articles and expressing opinions.

What’s Good About It

Users love Google News for its comprehensive coverage and the ability to customize news feeds. Homeschooling parents appreciate the platform’s capacity to bring diverse perspectives into their lessons, aiding in teaching critical thinking and media literacy. Its user-friendly interface and accessibility across multiple devices make it a convenient tool for both parents and students​ (CloudPress)​​ (The Homeschool Mom)​.

What Could Be Improved

Some users find the customization options limited and wish for more control over the content filtering. There have also been occasional concerns about the balance of perspectives in certain news topics, highlighting the need for parents to guide their children in discerning biases and seeking multiple viewpoints​ (How Do I Homeschool?)​​ (Wander Homeschooling)​.

Advice from Parents

Homeschooling parents recommend integrating Google News into daily lessons by setting aside time for news reading and discussions. They suggest guiding children in recognizing reliable sources and discussing the context and implications of news stories. Using news articles as starting points for projects and deeper research can also enhance learning experiences​ (CloudPress)​​ (How Do I Homeschool?)​.

Evaluation of Google News for Homeschooling

Overall Educational Value Score: 57/100

Google News receives an overall score of 57, with high marks for uniqueness and user-friendliness, but some drawbacks due to limited engagement for younger children and the necessity of parental guidance for effective use.

Positive Score: 72

  1. Uniqueness (8/10): Google News is unique in its aggregation of news from diverse sources, providing a comprehensive perspective that is valuable for critical thinking and media literacy.

  2. Engagement (5/10): While it offers valuable content, the engagement level can vary. Older students may find it more engaging due to their interest in current events, but younger children might find it less captivating.

  3. Accuracy (9/10): The platform aggregates news from reputable sources, ensuring high accuracy and reliability of information.

  4. User-Friendliness (8/10): Google News is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for both parents and children.

  5. Pedagogy (6/10): The educational value depends on how parents use it. It supports learning by providing diverse viewpoints and fostering critical analysis skills.

  6. Homeschooling (7/10): Homeschool parents appreciate its use for teaching current events and media literacy, though it requires active involvement to guide children.

  7. Learning Focus (7/10): It emphasizes deep, meaningful learning through exposure to current events and critical thinking exercises.

  8. Personalization (8/10): The platform allows customization of news feeds based on interests, making it adaptable to different learning needs.

  9. Special Needs (5/10): While not specifically designed for special needs, its flexibility allows parents to tailor content to some extent.

  10. Value (9/10): As a free tool, Google News offers excellent value for its educational benefits.

Positive Total: 72

Negative Score: -15

  1. Boredom (5/10): Younger children may find the content less engaging, leading to potential boredom.

  2. Addictive Components (2/10): The platform is generally not addictive, but frequent updates might lead to excessive use.

  3. Violence (4/10): Some news content may be inappropriate for young children due to violent or disturbing topics.

  4. Unhealthy Competition (1/10): Google News does not foster unhealthy competition.

  5. Excessive Prioritization of School Standards (3/10): It focuses on real-world learning rather than school standards, but some parents might prefer a more structured educational tool.

Negative Total: 15

Who It’s an Ideal Fit For

Google News is ideal for families seeking a dynamic and interactive way to incorporate current events into their homeschool curriculum. It suits parents who value critical thinking and media literacy and are comfortable guiding their children in navigating and analyzing diverse news sources. It’s also perfect for those who prefer digital resources and want to stay updated on global events​ (Prodigy Game)​​ (The Homeschool Mom)​.

Who It’s Probably Not a Fit For

Families who prefer a more structured and traditional approach to education might find Google News less suitable. It may also be challenging for parents who are not comfortable with or do not have the time to help their children navigate and critically assess online news. Additionally, those looking for a more controlled and filtered educational environment might find the open nature of Google News overwhelming​ (Wander Homeschooling)​​ (How Do I Homeschool?)​.

Grades

Google News can be adapted for use with students of various ages, from middle school through high school. Its suitability depends on the child’s reading ability and interest in current events.

Cost

Google News is free to use, making it an accessible resource for all homeschooling families.

Ways to Get It

Google News is available online at news.google.com or as a free app for both iOS and Android devices.

In summary, Google News is a versatile and valuable tool for homeschooling families, promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and awareness of current events. With thoughtful guidance from parents, it can greatly enrich a homeschool curriculum.

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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