Google Knowledge Graph

Review by EDT631 Student, 2016 Google’s Knowledge Graph was introduced in 2012 to build a massive database that connects things easily and completely.  Since its inception, the technology underlying the Knowledge Graph is available to everyone, as it is integrated into every Google Search.  The goal is to connect things through a huge graph so that when you look for example for inventors, you might then come to Benjamin Franklin, and then his picture appears with all of his personal data and a plethora of ‘lines’ that spider off into all the connections to his life – his inventions, politics, his writings, and then lines also go off to other inventors or other politicians.  It quickly and easily helps you connect data based on a person, object, or thing.    What is interesting is what is called Knowledge Graph Boxes that pop up on the right hand side of the search screen.  So for example you will see Benjamin Franklin in the Knowledge Graph Box and underneath Ben’s picture, are graphs to other places, politics, people that are intricately connected to Ben Franklin.  You can then click on that picture in the Graph box and more people and connections pop up.  Go here for a great review by the Google https://www.google.com/intl/es419/insidesearch/features/ Also check this out  Google Knowledge Graph can definitely be used for all age groups and some interesting features is the fact that you can zoom in right on the answer to most of your questions (what did Benjamin Franklin invent) and then you have immediate access to other related data to Benjamin Franklin without having to go back through the search engine.   It seems to be very easy to use so that even younger students that are exploring and learning how to search with some guidance from a teacher (say 3rd grade) could easily use this tool.Google claims  "that you can use  the Knowledge Graph to answer questions you never thought to ask and help you discover more." Some issues I see is just the sheer base of knowledge and getting overwhelmed quickly.  Though Google has tried to help in that area also.  See this cool youtube video A great example or utilization of how someone can use this tool is for basic outlines/research models.  The information is all at the researcher's fingertips.  It allows for the user to quickly go to the portion of the person/place/thing and pinpoint information.  The information is literally at the right hand side of your search engine and you are able to use this tool on any device that has an internet connection.   </p>My concern here is that Google is creating the entire graph without really collaboration per say from someone like me.   It is a more behind the scenes creation and not an open collaboration from what I have been able to review.  This might cause problems for a group wanting to collaborate.