New type of search engine

The new type of search engine is called WolframAlpha computational knowledge engine. The goals of this engine is to make all systematic knowledge immediately computable and accessible to everyone. So if I type in Iowa it will give me everything there is to know about Iowa. Population, flag, state bird, and much more information. Also if I type in a mathematical algorithm it will give me the answer. Right know it is in Alpha form so information is limited. But that just means there is only 10+ trillion pieces of data. Just think of the kinds of benefits that can be gained with all the information you need in a click of a button. Just when you thought you couldn't get your information fast enough something else comes along. I see a real benefit for students and teachers, especially if it is a reliable source. One thing that did strike me is that you can do mathematical computations with it. I can see that being a real problem for educators. We still need to focus on how we get the answers as much as achieving the correct answer. I think that if information like this is readily avaiable then teachers will need to focus more on the problem solving techniques rather than just the anser. I wonder if that means the search engine will just give you the answer or give you how they obtained the answer. Only time will tell I guess.

WolframAlpha

"some images © 2003-2009 www.clipart.com"