Research Round Up

After updating all of the RHS databases, I've finally put all of my suggested research resources in one easy to use place as well. This list can be found on the media center website on the Research tab. Please note that the RHS databases can now be found on the tab called Databases. Below is a description of a few of the tools from the site.

PLANNING
If you want to assist your students with planning their research (or any) project, have them use the Research Project Calculator.

ORGANIZATION
If you would like to have your students organize their thoughts and ideas, have them try MindMeister. This tool is available within Google Apps. See me for details.

CREDIBLE WEBSITES 

The CRAAP Test is an easy yet effective method for determining the credibility of websites for both personal and school use. The accompanying video, while a bit corny - they are my people (librarians), gives a quick explanation of why and how to use this test. The acronym is memorable too! 

TAKING NOTES
Evernote lets you take notes AND retrieve them anywhere you have Internet access. So it's a great tool for everyone. I use Evernote when I'm attending conferences. You can include links, photos, videos, tags, etc. Evernote has collaborative features too that allow you to share information and more. 

PLAGIARISM AND CITING SOURCES

The tutorial/quiz on plagiarism and citing sources teaches students about plagiarism and how to avoid it.

The resource list included on the media center Research page is not exhaustive. So please let me know if there are other items you would suggest adding. 

RHS Databases - Credible sources all in one place!

As I was updating access information and instructions for the databases available to RHS students and staff, I was once again reminded of some of the great features that are included by the different database publishers. I have highlighted these features below.

Links to all of these databases along with access information and search tips can be found on the RHS media center website - Databases tab:
https://sites.google.com/site/richfieldhighschoolmedia/databases

NEW to RHS: When users perform a search in the ABC-CLIO databases, they can click on the Translate button and have the information translated into French, Spanish or Chinese. The information can also be read to users (including translations) by clicking on the Listen button. Listen settings include playback speed and the option to download an MP3 file. ABC-CLIO databases cover current Issues, World History, Religions and Wars.

Britannica offers different Reading Levels, Primary Sources and the Web's Best resources when available for a topic.

EBSCO lets users search for Primary Source Documents with the click of a button. Searches can also be limited to results based on Lexile Level. Search results can be saved in a Folder during a search session. 

Once a user perform a search in the Gale databases, results can be narrowed by a number of criteria including Primary Sources. The Advanced Search feature lets users search by Lexile Range. Within articles, clicking on the More button offers users a Highlight and Notes function that saves selections to a Folder. Gale also has an extensive Help section that includes Tip Sheets, Teacher Resources and more.