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Research & Reference Tools
Educational Databases, Evaluation, and Citation Tools
The following are educational databases that provide reliable and valid information while saving search time. Use these educational databases and citation tools to improve your access to information.
MeL (Michigan eLibrary)
Click on image for info video about MeL.
Click on the MeL image to see a video that will walk you through using the MeL databases.
Michigan eLibrary is an educational database available to any Michigan school, library or citizen of Michigan. All public schools have access to this through thier school library.(eFull text magazines and newspapers, practice testing for GED, ACT, Careers, SAT, etc.) MeL has 46 databases where you can read full text articles from magazines and newspapers; find current reference sources; use advanced search functions; cite newspapers; find current references sources; use advanced search functions; cite sources. The advantage of this site is that the information is valid and reliable, and limited in comparison to a search performed within a search engine like Google or Yahoo.
This service is funded by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the institiute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library of Michigan. It is accessible to all Michigan residents with a valid drivers license or State ID number.
More Online Resources for Educators: Locate lesson plans and curriculum aids searchable by subject or state standard for free at http://www.mel.org.
Michigan eLibrary is an educational database available to any Michigan school, library or citizen of Michigan. All public schools have access to this through thier school library.(eFull text magazines and newspapers, practice testing for GED, ACT, Careers, SAT, etc.) MeL has 46 databases where you can read full text articles from magazines and newspapers; find current reference sources; use advanced search functions; cite newspapers; find current references sources; use advanced search functions; cite sources. The advantage of this site is that the information is valid and reliable, and limited in comparison to a search performed within a search engine like Google or Yahoo.
This service is funded by the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via the institiute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through the Library of Michigan. It is accessible to all Michigan residents with a valid drivers license or State ID number.
More Online Resources for Educators: Locate lesson plans and curriculum aids searchable by subject or state standard for free at http://www.mel.org.
The Reference Desk
News, information, calendars, translations, newspapers, resources, search engines, and facts are all one click away with this site. One-stop shopping for facts and information.
Wikipedia: Avoid the Pitfalls!
What in the world is a wiki?
A wiki is a web page under constant revisions - anyone can become a participant and the page is constantly edited for content. There are many examples of wikis, but in many school districts they are blocked.
What is Wikipedia?
Explore the origins of Wikipedia, and the pros and cons of using one of the top ten sites visited on the Internet. This site, often a topic of hot debate, is a form of Wiki in which anyone can edit its content. Although the company has put controls in place after much scrutiny, it is NOT a place where students should be directed for valid or reliable information. There are many examples in which postings have been made to Wikipedia which are inaccurate, untrue, or just plain false. Click on the link to check out this example of how Wikipedia has been abused.
A wiki is a web page under constant revisions - anyone can become a participant and the page is constantly edited for content. There are many examples of wikis, but in many school districts they are blocked.
What is Wikipedia?
Explore the origins of Wikipedia, and the pros and cons of using one of the top ten sites visited on the Internet. This site, often a topic of hot debate, is a form of Wiki in which anyone can edit its content. Although the company has put controls in place after much scrutiny, it is NOT a place where students should be directed for valid or reliable information. There are many examples in which postings have been made to Wikipedia which are inaccurate, untrue, or just plain false. Click on the link to check out this example of how Wikipedia has been abused.
How Wikis Work
Is Wikipedia Reliable?
Monday, March 15, 2010 2:44 PM
In this podcast episode of TechStuff, Chris and Jonathan explain how the web collaboration tools called wikis work and discuss the most famous wiki of all -- Wikipedia.
In this podcast episode of TechStuff, Chris and Jonathan explain how the web collaboration tools called wikis work and discuss the most famous wiki of all -- Wikipedia.
Citation Makers
Citation Machine
David Warlick's Citation Machine allows students to select from a variety of media formats (books, journals, online, encyclopedias, etc.) to create citations in multiple formats (APA, MLA, Turabian, or Chicago).
View a Screencast-o-matic video on Landmark's Citation Machine. KnightCite
KnightCite @ Calvin College.
Easy Bib
EasyBib offers MLA or APA style only.
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BibMeBibMe created by Carnegie Melon students; forms in APA,MLA and Chicago styles.
Citation Center
Citation Center offers a reference center and style guides in addition to the citation maker. MLA, APA, or Turabian.
eTurabian
Turabian site allows only this style of formatting; allows book requests using University Library catalog information.
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Recorded Video Session Tutorials
I have compiled all the recorded video session tutorials for "Research & Reference Tools" together here for your convenience. Click on any of the links below to see the tutorial from one of the instructors.
From "21 Things - Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo"
From "21 Things - Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo"
Common Craft.com - Wikipedia in Plain English
Click to go to Common Craft.com
What it Teaches
Wikipedia is an amazing resource, but it’s not always clear what helps to ensure that the articles are factual and high quality. This video discusses wiki technology and the policies that make Wikipedia work. We worked with the Wikipedia Foundation to ensure that it reflects Wikipedia's values and practices. It teaches:
Wikipedia is an amazing resource, but it’s not always clear what helps to ensure that the articles are factual and high quality. This video discusses wiki technology and the policies that make Wikipedia work. We worked with the Wikipedia Foundation to ensure that it reflects Wikipedia's values and practices. It teaches:
- Why an online encyclopedia is needed
- The basics of editing a wiki website
- How volunteers work to ensure quality