I think research is a critical skill. The internet provides everyone with an abundance of instant information, and the ability to sift through that information, find websites with validity and then share that information in a clear manner will be vital to success in the future.
I have always loved research. I enjoyed the challenge of taking information from multiple sites and creating a coherent argument or sharing clear information. It is so easy for kids to quickly google any question that they have. As educators, and ESPECIALLY as librarians, I need to create media literate students who are able to easily access information and then actively and coherently use that information, once they have deemed it reliable. I truly believe that information access and application is one of the most vital skills a student can have.
The tools that we learned about are critical to learning those skills. I have used Pioneer Library for years, and I really appreciate the access to information that it provides. I LOVE SIRS Researcher… it actually makes citations pretty easy as well as the research, but I like to show them how to use Son of Citation machine as well. I have also used Noodle Tools in the past… I really love the feature that they have which allows kids to copy and paste into the program and then paraphrase the information in their own words… great opportunity to teach plagiarism as well. :)
I have always loved research. I enjoyed the challenge of taking information from multiple sites and creating a coherent argument or sharing clear information. It is so easy for kids to quickly google any question that they have. As educators, and ESPECIALLY as librarians, I need to create media literate students who are able to easily access information and then actively and coherently use that information, once they have deemed it reliable. I truly believe that information access and application is one of the most vital skills a student can have.
The tools that we learned about are critical to learning those skills. I have used Pioneer Library for years, and I really appreciate the access to information that it provides. I LOVE SIRS Researcher… it actually makes citations pretty easy as well as the research, but I like to show them how to use Son of Citation machine as well. I have also used Noodle Tools in the past… I really love the feature that they have which allows kids to copy and paste into the program and then paraphrase the information in their own words… great opportunity to teach plagiarism as well. :)