Library+research+process+tools

=Step 1: Where do I begin?=

Starting your research and finding search terms[[image:research2.jpg align="right"]]
Before you start your research, you are going to need keywords for searching. Although you probably will not use Google to find resources, you can use it as a starting place to find keywords. Google has some great ways to find search terms, including Google Wonder Wheel and Google Timeline. Watch the tutorials below to find out how to use these great tools. Once you have started to find some keywords, you will want to keep track of the keywords and search strategies you have found. Keep track of these in Google Docs or Springpad. Watch the tutorials below to see how these tools can be used to keep your research organized.

[|Google Wonder Wheel Screencast]
[|Google Wonder Wheel]

[|Google Timeline Current Information] Screencast

[|Google Timeline Historic Information] Screencast

[|Google Timeline]

Organizing your search terms and your research
[|Introduction to Google Docs] screencast

[|More information on Google Docs] screencast

[|Google Docs]

[|Springpad Screencast]

[|Springpad]

Step 1 Evaluation Sheets:




=Step 2: How do I create a research strategy?=

Continuing to Organize your research
Even though you have now moved onto Step 2, continue to use the tools you learned bout in Step 1. If you started to organize your research and keywords in Google Docs or Springpad, continue to use them throughout the process. If you start to do more in-depth research and cannot find resources on your topic, go back to Step 1 and try to find new keywords for your research. You may have to adjust the focus of your research based on the results you find.

Sample library pathfinder: SS Europe Between the Wars

[|Library database screencast 1]

[|Library database screencast 2]

[|Webspiration]- You can sign up to use this great interactive tool as a free trial.

[|Inspiration Video]- Inspiration is available on all computers in the BHS library. You can export your work into a word processor to take it home with you.

Step 2 Evaluation Sheets:




=Step 3: How do I begin my research?=

You will be required to use databases for research. Use the keywords you found in steps 1 and 2. You may want to start searching very broadly and then narrow your search when you find information of interest. If you are using websites, make sure you know the author and their credentials. Look at the screencast below for more information. As you find sources, enter them into NoodleTools. There is also a note card feature in NoodleTools that you may want to use, or may be required to use.

[|Database searching tips (includes video)]

[|Author credentials screencast]

[|NoodleTools]

[|NoodleTools Tutorials]

[|iGoogle]

[|iGoogle Screencast]

Step 3 Evaluation Sheets:




=Step 4: Refine and continue your research=

By the time you get to this step, you are well on your way in the research process. Below are a few additional tools to use to organize your information and some additional searching tips. Remember, if you get stuck, go back to step 1 and find new keywords. Continue to use the tools you have found throughout the process. Just because you have moved on to step 4, does not mean you cannot continue to use tools you learned about in step 1. This should be a cumulative process where you find the tools and strategies that work best for you.

[|Diigo (includes video)]

[|Diigo Screencast]

[|Advanced Google Search screencast]

Step 4 Evaluation Sheets:




=Step 5: Make sense of information collected=

By now you have probably chosen one or two tools that work best for you.

Go through all of your research thus far and check for any gaps.

Make sure you have enough information to support your thesis.

Change your thesis now if you realize that you have not found enough information. If this is the case go back to the steps 1 and 2 and look for a new topic.

Tools to look at to make an outline: · NoodleTools · Webspiration · Inspiration · Google Docs

=Step 6: Create and evaluate final product=

Congratulations on making it this far! Look at the questions below as you are writing the final product. Make sure you are following the assignment as given by your teacher. Once you have finished, look at the screencast on Wordle below. Copy and paste your paper into Wordle to make sure the right words are emphasized in your paper.

[|Wordle]

[|Sample Wordle]

[|Wordle Screencast]

One of the best ways to evaluate the final product is to go back through the assignment sheet given by your teacher. Have you met all of the project requirements? Do you have enough credible sources? Have you written an effective argument?

=Possible Presentation Tools:=

If you have the chance to put together a presentation, here are some choices. Experiment with a few and find the one that works best for the project and for you! You may find that you like using one of these tools, but it does not work well for your project. Choose wisely.

[|VoiceThread]

[|Animoto]

[|Weebly]

[|Prezi]

[|Screenr]

[|Comic Life]

[|Glogster EDU]

Wikispaces

[|Podomatic (Podcasts)]