I collect the better part of my research, by searching for it through the Internet. The majority of the time, I use Google and simply search for key terms. However, if the professor I am doing research for requires us to have multiple sources, from different types of media, I will get the information I need from the Internet and then add little factoids from books or journals, in order to satisfy any requirements. I never use Wikipedia as a source, but I will always read what Wikipedia says and then find other sources to back it up.
I definitely see myself in the descriptions given underneath the heading, “We are seeing students…” I am frequently overwhelmed by the amount of information given on each topic. I am sure that I have spent a ridiculous amount of time searching for an answer I could have found within minutes by looking in a book instead of the Internet. I am guilty of not always checking to see if my resources are credible. Lastly, as much as I hate to admit this there have been times when I have simply “regurgitated” someone else’s thought. I would never purposefully plagiarize, but I would reword something and not add my own ideas or thoughts.
I thought the article, “Electronic Constructivism” by Maureen Brown Yoder, was very interesting. In fact, I agree with the basic message of the article far more than Marc Prensky’s article, “Digital Native, Digital Immigrant.” Yoder described projects that students could work on with each other, in order to teach themselves. Students learn about the material, but also learn to question and analyze information. Prensky basically says that students should play games in order to learn. I find this idea ridiculous. I think that games are a great tool to aid in the education of students, but that should not be the only method. I believe that teachers should engage students, however, games are not the only way to gain and keep students attention.
As a teacher it is important that I assist my students in time management. With proper time management students use their research time more efficiently and more meaningfully. If there were one sure way to do this, the teacher that figured it out would be a millionaire. However, different methods work for different teachers, and different groups of students. I honestly have not figured out a way that works for me. The best I can say for now is that I will monitor students as they work on projects. Also, I will give students the option that if they stay on task I will give them an allotted amount of time at the end of class to browse the Internet. Hopefully this will keep students from getting distracted while working on their projects.
I use a several aspects of Web 2.0. However, none more than Facebook. I have had a facebook account for over five years. These days I have notifications sent directly to my phone. I also spend a lot of time on Facebook, on a regular basis. I check it throughout the day, look at pictures, and message friends. I also use Google Docs occasionally. Mostly, for reviewing papers and assignments sent to me through email. I have created a podcast, and I have also blogged.
Ha! Sounds like you employ the research skills of a true digital native! I know these tactics well. Many times, when professors demand text sources, I simply find digital versions of books or articles which I cite in my paper with the original publishing date. Or, in more desperate times, rather than citing Wikipedia, just follow links to their citations at the bottom of the page and quote from their references. These skills got me through my 200 level undergrad classes but now, after some reflection, seem to be pretty dodgy version of scholasticism.
ReplyDeleteIt's very frustrating to be a student and not be able to find what you need, especially when you know that its out there. Unfortunately, students often take the path of least resistance (as I clearly have before) when it's time to make tough choices. This is why students must be taught functional skills to aid them in critical research; research is a tough task--one I don't think many students accomplish effectively without proper scaffolding.
Rachel, I am like you when it comes to researching sources for papers on the internet. I usually look at Wikipedia (or a similar source) first to get a broad understanding of the topic, and then search through Google for any general ideas. I will then go to the school library search engine, or other scholarly sources to meet professor’s requirements. It has become so simple to find information on the internet, but you have to be careful with reliable sources. This makes finding sources and information very easy for students of all ages and has become the most common research tool. The library has become a secondary tool, and many students use the computers at the library over the large collection of books.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that students do not need to play games in order to learn. That may be what they spend most of their time doing, but that doesn't necessarily mean that is what they need in order to learn. They need to be engaged and stimulated. I am also with you when it comes to spending a ridiculous amount of time researching. I get so distracted when I am searching. I constantly struggle with finding the best information. I am always sure that something better must be out there so I keep searching even when I have good information already. I wish there was some way to know that you have already found great information so that you don't continue to waste time sorting through all the junk that is out there.
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