The Google Story

My latest read.
This book is the story of Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the creators of Google. Google actually means googol, a very large number. Page began as a PhD student developing a web crawler that counted web links, pointing to a website, called PageRank. Its interesting to read about their philosophy, they would sooner give Google away and spread the word by mouth rather than sell advertising on the site. They were concerned with making their search engine free and using the technology, letting the technology speak for itself.

Underpinning all of their work and a message to educators is how to use the technology efficiently and effectively with what you have. The pair built their own machines from bits they could locate, rather than spend a fortune on buying new technology. A cost saving regime true, but also a culture. Use what you have well to do the best job you are able, as opposed to having expensive technology that is not being used or used well.
Another interesting factor. Google employees get 20% of their time, 1x day a week to work on their own projects within the www parameters, and things that interest them. Reason being that you are likely to spend creative time and engery on your passions, they don't have to do it in secret, they can share their learning with others in the team, and brainstorm collective solutions. And if it looks like being a winner Google will fund it. So Google don't have competition from their employees, they are fostering learning and new initiatives and their employees are happy. Equate that with education!