Before arriving into this course, I only knew that www.google.com was a database site that I could use to conduct researches for articles. But given the information taught in class about the appropriate strategies in order to find good reliable sources has allowed me to conduct searches using more than one database. I conduct searches more thoroughly in accordance to guidelines that have been expected of us through the syllabus. When discovering different sources and how to annotate them, I can use academic sources to find research articles. These sources (sites) are more reliable and they belong to actual accredited authors. As reading in literature, as students and but more importantly as intellectual people, we have to ensure that research on any level is appropriate and all sources are properly cited. Having knowledge of the cite system, I have developed my ability to comprehend the way sources are cited and how they are noted in our works. I must admit that, with some of the research papers that were due in English class, the CSUEB library databases that are provided have been useful.
As noted earlier in this reflection, I would have used google.com and suffered in finding actual useful articles. For example, earlier this quarter, in English we focused on teenagers who attend high school but acquire part time employment such as McDonalds. In this reference I used Academic Search Premier, LexisNexus, and the course library to find books on the subject. Fortunately for the material we were taught and will continue to develop, I was able to find very useful information. This information was credible with the authors belonging to Universities. Interestingly as noted in class, the internet has been a tool that has made life a lot easier. On an educational stand point, this tool has improved the way people communicate and of course the way we research information. In that sense, I have learned to take advantage of the opportunities that the internet provides us with. I never heard of such databases provided by the CSUEB site but the subject of teen employment is certainly a difficult subject if provided with the incorrect wording. By wording I refer to the information that is typed into the search box as I had difficulty finding information at the beginning. But as we developed the skills taught on using proper phrases and not words, I have been able to find the information that I needed find.
Furthermore, on the topic of successes and failures deal with this subject. Without the experience of fact finding, I had some successes but it took more time to find articles that may not be as useful to those articles that are not as reliable. I think that the subject of teenage employment was a bit difficult but I found great information. I am certainly hopeful on these database that have been provided to us.
Overall, this class has allowed me to experience a new level of technological research guidance. I was always curious about the numbers of the Library of Congress and fortunately, I am able to read some of the information coded on books. Although I will have to gain more knowledge and experience if I am to physically look for a book. I am glad to have learned this information and I am sure that I will be able to use this experience and use it towards my college and life career as long as I am researching articles.
1 comment:
It's always good if you have assignments in other classes that require some research. It helps you to understand the purpose of the class more directly.
In terms of teen employment, some good information would likely be available in government documents. I don't normally go into those in class because they can be more complicated than the types of sources we covered in class. If you're still interested in that topic, try www.usa.gov and do a search on the official federal government site for teen employment. You'll likely find statistics and possibly some government reports.
I'm not sure what other challenges you face in finding a book on the shelf. If this is still an issue, we can still go over that or you can ask at the reference desk.
I'm glad you addressed the issue of evaluation in your essay. That's an important component of the process.
I would have liked to read a comment about information ethics.
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