Thing 8: Research and Inquiry

Using iPads offers students the opportunity to conduct independent research.  In Alief ISD, iPads have been loaded with many of the apps that correspond to the Library Research Databases.  These include Gale, World Book, and Discovery Education.   In addition, students can still perform research using the internet.  There are some amazing tools that can help make conducting research on the iPad run smoothly. A few are outlined below.

NetTrekker

NetTrekker is a research tool the district has purchased and provided for all students to use.  NeTrekker allows users to save their searches and research findings.  This is especially helpful when considering that the iPads are multi-user devices.  NetTrekker is available for students at all levels.

Diigo

Diigo is a bookmarking tool which allows users to keep search results in one convenient location. In addition, Diigo also offers on screen tools that allow you to annotate directly on the website you are viewing.  The annotations are saved into your Diigo account, and are there when you access them later.   Diigo can also be used as a collaboration tool.  Students can save to a common account or share resources using group bookmarks.  Click here to view user created tutorials and demos.

SocialBookmarking with Diigo- This article from November Learning goes into more detail about how Diigo can help enhance your instructional setting.

Custom Google Search Engines

Creating a custom search engine in Google allows teachers to help steer students to specific websites for research purposes.  Instead of having a long list of websites for students to search through, you can create one search engine which focuses specifically on the sites you tell it to search.  Watch this brief introductory video below.  

DirectingLearning with Google Custom Search- This article from November Learning goes into more detail about how Google Custom Search can work for you in your classroom. 

Assignment:

In your "Thing 8" blog post, address the following in 1-2 paragraphs. 

Choose one of the tools, and go into detail about how you will incorporate this tool into your classroom.  How will the tool make research more effective in your classroom?