Tech Tools for Research
Personalize the Process
Google Classroom
I created MLA-formatted documents for the students to use and distributed to them via Google Classroom. When doing so, I selected "make a copy for each student." Doing this helped me to work "alongside" the students as they drafted their papers.
NoodleTools
Our Librarian introduced the students to NoodleTools. Students used it to keep track of their sources and take notes on what they read. We both had access to the dropbox and could monitor the students.
JoeZoo Express
I used JoeZoo Express, a Google Doc add-on, to provide writing feedback on students' rough drafts. JoeZoo is categorized like any basic writing rubric would be.
Snagit
After reading each rough draft, I recorded narrative feedback and for each student. (The Snagit extension will no longer be supported as of August 2016. Try the Screencastify extension!)
Yet Another Mail Merge
I responded to student reflection by adding a column to the spreadsheet that had been created through Google Forms. I entered feedback for each student, then I used Yet Another Mail Merge to merge feedback with a form email and clicked "send."
Google Forms
In an attempt to integrate more student reflection into the classroom, I created Google Forms that prompted students to compile their questions about the project, evaluate infographics and assess their research papers.
YouTube
Since students were expected to continue some of the research at home, I made screencasts to help them. I created a YouTube playlist for each database--how to use it and how to cite it.
Scrible
I wanted students to become accustomed to reading online and implement the active reading strategies they've been taught. They used Scrible to annotate the sources they found. Next time, I will ask them to link the annotated articles to NoodleTools.
GVHS LibGuides
Our Librarian houses and organizes all of our school's databases in the LibGuides. This system makes it easier for students to navigate the databases and find strong, relevant sources.
Deanna M. Stephan
Email: deanna.stephan@gmail.com
Website: http://deannamstephan.blogspot.com/
Phone: .
Twitter: @missstephan