The methods I use to research a topic depend completely upon whether I am researching for personal interest or for a class. When I am at home and am interested in finding out more about a topic, I normally go to Google and type in keywords that might bring up corresponding webpages. The 'Information Literacy' presentation brought up an excellent point about the validity of webpages found online; some websites may look credible, but in all reality they are not scholarly sources. Many past professors of mine have completely disallowed the option of research information found on websites because of this problem. Therefore, when I am researching for a course, I use more discretion and find books at the library or search through the databases available on the GVSU website (JStor, for example). Wikipedia is a great source of information, but because anyone in the world can edit its pages, I would not recommend using it for a college research paper or regarding it as a scholarly source.
Furthermore, in the 'Information Literacy' presentation, I identified myself only in a few of the problems that some students are experiencing when researching online. When searching for information in a database, I almost always feel overwhelmed with the dozens of journals and articles that I find. Perhaps I need more practice with databases and knowing which keywords to use. Sometimes it is also rather difficult for me to synthesize information when an article is terribly long; I often find myself spending a great amount of time trying to pick out the most important points, which I think is an effective way to go about it, but it is still quite overwhelming. When I was in High School, I was definitely at times a student who would simply regurgitate ideas, just as many of us were; for this reason, college was a bit of a shock in my first year, and I needed to do a bit of adjusting when it came to thinking abstractly and originally.
I found the 'Electronic Constructivism' article interesting, because the author pointed out that a simple change in how directions are stated on an assignment can almost completely eliminate the paraphrasing and regurgitating of ideas issue. I thought the author had a neat approach to researching historical figures; instead of stating directions for an assignment in a way that allows the students to simply resummarize information found in an encyclopedia, for example, the author explained that there are several different and more creative approaches the teacher could take. For example, if the teacher thinks a little more abstractly and helps the students step into the shoes of the historical figures, they will no longer see them as "...just static characters described in black and white text" (Yoder). Being creative is a great way to promote abstract and dynamic thinking and learning.
I remember in High School being brought down to the "Media Center", or in other words, the library, to be shown how to properly use a search engine. In hindsight, I think that was a great idea, and I would definitely do something similar to help my students use their time efficiently when researching. It truly is difficult to keep searches narrow, and for that reason, it really is beneficial to know how to properly use a search engine. I would also tell them about my personal strategies; for example, as said before, when I am reading an article, I take out a highlighter and a pencil and I mark up the article so I can later reference the most important parts of it. Instead of allowing oneself become overwhelmed with a topic, it is important for him or her to step back and look at the big picture. Also, as I saw in the 'Information Literacy' presentation, I too think it is important to first think about what it is you need to learn more about. Before immediately sitting down in front of a computer and starting one's research, the researcher needs to evaluate all research tools. An almanac or another print source might be the best way to find basic information such as simple facts, for example.
Lastly, I do love many aspects of Web 2.0 websites. I find it very interesting that Wikipedia can be edited by anyone in the world; however, this has its problems. I reference Wikipedia very often, but I keep in mind that not everything stated on it is 100% factual. Aside from this blog, I have two personal blogs that I update every now and then--one blog I use solely for practicing my German language skills, and the other blog I simply post music on to listen to when I am at the computer. I also admit that I frequently facebook; it's always fun to see the comments and opinions from friends on updates that I make, and it is a great way to communicate back and forth between friends, family, and co-workers. Another part of Web 2.0 that I sometimes take part in are forums. Forums are excellent sources of information as well, especially when a person is looking for information about his or her own current situation (be it a real life situation, or a technological problem that person is having). Many people post questions on forums, because each forum normally has a specific topic and purpose that other people will pay attention to if they know anything about it or have questions they would like to post as well. In my future classroom, I think video blogs will be a great way for students to record themselves so they can truly hear their pronunciation of German words. I think it would also be very fun and interesting for the student, because other students in the class will be able to make video comments or text comments in response. All in all, I love Web 2.0, because it is a great source of interactivity and communication.
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I feel overwhelmed by the databases, too. I like using them because they provide lots of credible sources, but it is hard to choose the best ones because there are so many. I also share your pain with synthesizing. Most articles I’ve been using for papers and projects in college have been really long, especially when the sources are good ones. I think you have a good idea about introducing your students to search engines. Everyone should know how to use them because they are a great place to start no matter what you’re researching.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both of you, search engines and databases are overwhelming. Sometimes they can provide great sources, but like Kelly said, its hard to sift through them all to find what you are looking for.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with what you said about the article about using technology to update old lessons. I thought the author of that article had some really cool ideas about history lessons that could really work well in a real classroom.
Like you I use google for many of my searches, even though the sites that google finds may not be completely credible. Google is so much easier than going into a search database and making a search specific. When I do research it starts out being all about convenience. I feel overwhelmed while searching these databases as well because there are so many articles to choose from. I also liked the abstract ideas from the electronic constructivism article. I also love web 2.0 and find myself using it multiple times a day. Your ideas about highlighting and having students choose the important parts of articles are a good idea, and it will make retaining that information easier for them as well.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. The databases here at GV are extremely overwhelming and somewhat difficult to use. Even when going and asking the librarian for help, it seems I walk out more confused every time. I agree with Eibell above me, Google is way easier and takes a lot less time. However, I think its important that we as future teachers take the time to find different avenues for finding research. That way we can give our students more options than we had.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about the Grand Valley database. They try to have ways to slim down the choices, but still you can get many hits that take along time to go through to make sure that you are getting what you need. I also use a lot of Web 2.0 programs that are helpful and fun. But when thinking about how to make research more efficient for our future students, we should find ways to complete research that will be helpful but fun. It is important to change the way that we teach to adapt with the changing ways of learning and mind changes.
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