The article that I read was written by Tasha Bergson-Michelson and the title is listed in the post title above. She brings up some good points about how a lot of teachers assign projects for students and assume that the students are fully versed in proper search techniques. More often than not, students head to the tried and true online search engine of their choice and do one search, click on the first link that pops up and that becomes their point of reference for their research project. Some students may scroll down further or make another attempt at searching for more specific information, but few are capable of doing a more in depth analysis such as using advanced search options.
I would have to agree that this is certainly a real issue that is worthy of attention. After doing a quick search I discovered a helpful site called studyvibe which is a great source for how to use web 2.0 tools to conduct research online. This is something that I am going to start introducing to my students to help them with their research products in my class as well as their other classes. The best part about this site is that it also talks about copyright and creative commons which I can use to make students aware of how to make use of pictures legally when they make presentations.
By the way, if you're like me and could use a refresher course in searchonomics check out this link.
The article seems interesting, I'll have to check it out when I have a free moment. In Korea it seems the students are very well versed with the internet and other tools available to them online. So it may seem like a difference culturally maybe. I have not taught back home so I can only assume. Your blog has made me more curious and interested in the topic. And it seems it can be a gateway to other issues as well, (ethics, copyright, plagiarism). Good write up!
ReplyDeleteRyan, I agree students too often settle on the first link that shows up during their search, to use as a reference for their research. Students would benefit from being taught how to do a thorough search online to help them with their research projects. It would provide them with more information to select from. I like that you included a site called studyvibe, which will come in handy in the future if I give my students any projects to do.
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