2. When we need an answer to a
question, one of our first solutions is
to “google it.” Google is the
leading search engine that most of
us use in our education and for our
own personal inquiry. So what is
Wolfram Alpha and what does it
have to offer that Google does
not?

3. Wolfram Alpha is a search engine that
actually computes the answers to inquiries
and displays them instantly rather than
provide a list of websites based on the terms
inputted into the search bar.
If what you were actually searching for is not
what is displayed after your search, there is a
list under the search bar of other possible
topics you may have wanted to know about.

4. In addition to the typical subject search, there are a variety of features
offered by Wolfram Alpha that are not available with other search engines.
These include:
+ Image Upload- Upload a photo to Wolfram Alpha and it will provide
the photo’s dimensions and creation date, as well as a number of special
effects and transformations that can be applied to the photo
+ Data Input- Input a date set to Wolfram Alpha and it will display charts
and graphs, as well as information such as the mean, median, and other
statistical information.
+ File Upload- Upload a file to Wolfram Alpha and it will provide
information on that file. For example, upload a music file (such as WAV) and
the duration, amplitude and frequency will be displayed, as well as charts.
+ Word Input- Input “word” followed with any word into the search bar
and Wolfram Alpha will display the definition, part of
speech, pronunciation, origin, synonyms and antonyms, as well as other
information on the word.

5. One of Wolfram Alpha’s most useful tools is the
mathematical calculations. This program was
created by Stephen Wolfram who also created
Mathematica, a calculation tool which provided
the framework for Wolfram Alpha.
Unlike other search engines, Wolfram Alpha
provides instant calculations. In addition, it charts
them and provides a vast amount of information
other than just the solution.

6.  Pros  Cons
+ Answers are generated + May provide too much
using internal data sources information, possibly too
easy to use
+ No worry about
inaccurate or + Takes away from
inappropriate information discovery and research
skills
+ Less hassle, time saver
+ Students using the
+ Can be used with program may not learn
presentation tools such as how to properly identify
electronic whiteboard reliable and unreliable
resources

7. Value for 21st Century teaching and Learning
Not only is Wolfram Alpha a free program, but it provides the
following benefits to the classroom:
+ Students can gather information on general concepts and
research data on specific topics
+ Teachers can easily provide visual aides such as pictures,
charts and graphs for lesson plans
+ Students are shown the steps of how mathematical problems
are solved
+ Information is easier to find and better laid out for students,
allowing them more time to find the information they require

8. Teachers can use the Wolfram Education Portal which
can help them create lesson plans and offers
demonstrations for educators built by Wolfram experts.
They can also submit lesson plans and join the
education group on Wolfram Alpha community to chat
with other educators about the uses of Wolfram Alpha
and how they can use it in the classroom
Wolfram Alpha takes all aspects of
education and makes it possible for
educators to integrate technology into
each subject they teach!