Research in the Digital Age
Like cats, young people enjoy using technology in the research process.
Integrate technology throughout the inquiry process. Many online tools are available for electronic journaling, digital note taking, collaborative concept mapping, and online citation building. Select the technology that works best for you and your students.
Electronic Journaling
AASLStandard 2.1.4 - Students to use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information.
Journaling is the ongoing process of recording information, insights, and ideas.
In a research project, consider ways that students can document the inquiry process including brainstorming and refining question, describing information exploration, discussing how information is assimilated, sharing insights and inferences, and reflecting on the inquiry process (Callison, 2006).
Blogs and microblogs can be used to document each step such as chronicling resources and reviews. These notes can be public or private.
- record information
- brainstorm ideas
- share insights
Commenting is one of the unique features of blogs. Think about ways this feature can be used to enhance learning.
Microblogging
Microblogs such as Twitter are effective for stort entrie;, easy to track assignments; short, free-writing activities; and quick website sharing.
- Tool: Twitter
- Examples: Many Voices, Twitter4Teacher
Blogging
Blogs work well for projects that require longer entries and are also useful for multimedia activities such as images, audio, and video. They are also easy to track. Use Google Reader to track class postings.
- Tools: Google Blogger, Word Press (install on server or use the service)
- Education Specific Blog Tools: Class Blogmeister, Edublogs
- Examples: Charger Reading Blog
Commenting is an important elements of blogging. It allows bloggers to comment on their own writing by extending their ideas, providing supporting evidence, or reflecting on the inquiry process. Blogs also allow peers to make suggestions, provide feedback and share ideas.
While students write, others can comment. No paper, so no more pencil finger.
Digital Note Taking
AASL Standard 1.1.8 - Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry
AASL Standard 4.1.7 - Use social networks and information tools to gather and share information.
AASL Standard 4.1.6 - Organize personal knowledge in a way that can be called upon easily.
AASL Standard 4.3.1 - Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person.
Note taking is the process of writing pieces of information that can be reviewed later. There are many approaches to note taking. For instance, the Cornell system (PDF from Cornell) includes five Rs: (1) record meaningful facts and ideas; (2) reduce to main ideas and summaries; (3) recite the most important terms, concepts, ideas, and conclusions; (4) reflect on personal opinion and perspective; and (5) review.
Online Word Processing Tools
Online word processors are great because they can be accessed from anywhere. In addition, peers can be invited to share ideas and the results can be published on the web.
- Google Docs - Google Docs Templates, Cornell Template
- Zoho Writer
Social Bookmarking Tools
Social bookmarking tools allow users to bookmark, tag, annotate, organize, and syndicate websites.
To learn more about social bookmarking, go to my class page at Pathfinders and Social Bookmarks.
Highlighting Tools
Highlight a web page and save the notes as a short URL.
Browser-Based Tool
Note Taking Tools
While students take and store notes, teachers assign and participate. No more lost notes.
Collaborative Concept Mapping
AASL Standard 1.1.9 - Collaborate with others to broaden and deepen understanding.
AASL Standard 2.1.5 - Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems.
AASL Standard 3.1.4 - Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use, and assess.
Concept maps are a great way to record, organize, and synthesize information in a visual way.
- Tools: Concept Mapping
- Tools: Whiteboards and Sticky Notes
While students synthesize and share, teachers collaborate and suggest. No more copying.
Online Citation Building
AASL Standard 1.3.1 - Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers.
AASL Standard 1.3.3 - Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information.
Whether citing books and journals or online content such as a Skype interview, e-mail conversation, or NASA website connect, students need to record the resources they use in their research. Teach students to cite as they go, learn multiple styles, and cite all information types.
Looking for other technologies to integrate into projects? Check the Web 2.0 Awards.