Course research guide
ENGL 1301 - Marie Coffey

This guide provides titles of and links to library resources that can help you with your research essay on any aspect of distance learning you find interesting. Some ideas include: methods, popularity, who uses these services, and effectiveness. Good luck, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time!

Remember: online databases require a valid SAC SSN & PIN (mmyy of birth). Check the quick start guide if you have problems with access!

NOTE: A recording of the online session is linked here. Just scroll down to the sacelibrary.2004-12-01 entry. You can hit the play button, fast forward, pause, etc. You do need the Elluminate plug-in in order to view the recording. Good luck and have fun with your research!

I. Define Topic - locate background material using reference sources

II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words, names, etc. You can create a search plan online and email it to your instructor!

You need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search. Here's an example of the variety of words you could put together for a search on distance learning:

• distance learning and technology
• distance education and technology
• online learning and technology
• distance learning and student success
• distance learning and student achievement
• distance learning and learning styles

So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?

• Keyword search = to combine words or do more specific search; finds items that contain your keywords
• Subject search = for broad search or when you know terminology; finds items that are about that topic

TIPS: Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings (ex: democra* = democracy, democratic, democracies, etc.). Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search, find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and incorporate those subject words into your search strategy.

III. Search Sources

A. Looking for BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items?

• Catalog
• netLibrary (eBooks)
• How to check out books & eBooks

B. Looking for periodical ARTICLES?

• Academic Search Complete (all topics)
• Expanded Academic (all topics)
• Professional Development Collection (education)
• TOPIC search (current events, hot topics) - here is a direct link to all the articles on the topic of distance learning:
  
  

1. distance education (you can then narrow this search by adding other keywords to the search boxes, such as: students, achievement, accessibility, attitudes, evaluation, etc.)

• Newspapers (Historical NYT, Newsbank has SA Express News, Info-Trac Custom has LA Times, NY Times)
• More databases...

NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.

C. Looking for free WEB SITES?

• SAC Online (by SAC Distance Learning program)
• Strategies for Success for Online Learners (by SAC Professor Carol Keller)
• Top Distance Education Sites (by Annenberg/CPB)
• Librarians' Index to the Internet (organized collection, great starting points, evaluated by librarian)

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources